Possible Goiter

[tiredfedup]

I am still waiting for my appt. with endo on May 4th, but my neck is so sore today and I feel like my glands are swollen.  Could just be allergies, but with my antibodies being elevated and myFree T4 0.9 and TSH 2.3, it makes me wonder how worried I should be.  My neck is huge, but has been like this for a few years now.  If it were cancer, would I have been diagnosed already??  How slow growing is thyroid cancer. It is probably just due to Hashimotos, (waiting for diagnosis) but I am still in shock that it's so large and noticed by so many people, but my doctors obviously weren't that concerned.  It does move when I tilt my head and swallow, but the areas around it feel black and blue when I put slight pressure on it.

Would I have been more sick by now if it were cancer?
How slow growing is thyroid cancer?

[898]

It takes up to 3 days at average for bleeding to stop; sometimes the ultrasound hand probe and /or palpation during the period of acute bleeding can cause more damage. CT scan with contrast can be used to see if the bleeding is actually took place.
If blood is not found then ultrasound can be done.

[tiredfedup]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me and explaining it to me.
Is it surprising to you that a doctor would not recommend an songram of my thyroid if it was enlarged enough to be noticed on the outside?  I still can't believe I am walking around like this.  I am finally doing something more about it, now that I know more.  Just wondering what you think?

[898]

Hemorrhage Into Thyroid Cyst
Overview of Hemorrhage Into Thyroid Cyst
Thyroid cysts contain fluid and vary in size. They may be small (less than 1 cm) or quite large. They may develop slowly or arise rapidly. Many thyroid nodules are not entirely cystic, buth has some solid components. Cystic nodules may expand and enlarge suddenly sometimes due to hemorrhage or bleeding within a smaller pre-existing nodule.

Causes of Hemorrhage Into Thyroid Cyst


Most thyroid nodules are benign growths caused by cycles of hyperplasia (increaed cellular activity) and involution of underlying thyroid tissue. This process results in the fusion of regions of colloid-filled follicles and parenchyma, forming what is called adenomatous or colloid nodules.
Most thyroid cysts are macronodules, which undergo degeneration, with the accumulation of serous fluid, colloid substance, or blood.


Signs and Symptoms of Hemorrhage Into Thyroid Cyst


Hemorrhage into a thyroid cyst may produce a rapidly enlarging cyst and corresponding symptoms in the neck. These symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, and rarely, compression of vocal cords leading to a change in voice quality. Very large cysts can occasionally lead to obstruction of the airway and difficulty with breathing. Shortness of breath, rapid heart rate and anxiety will occur.
from
http://www.myelectronicmd.com/get_reference.php?Id=1310&condition=Hemorrhage

[tiredfedup]

What causes intrathyroidal bleeding?  I tried to look it up, but can't find much and it's confusing.

Thanks!

[tiredfedup]

Funny you should mention the ibuprophin.  I actually take it every single day for bad headaches.  I realize that I probably shouldn't take it every day, but I can't function without it.  I am wondering if it is masking some of my symptoms or be making it worse as you mentioned it being possible.  How will I know if there is bleeding.  I have noticed occasional bleeding when I spit into the sink.  I tried to figure out if it was from my gums or my throat and I think it's from my throut, but my husband said it's probably from gums bleeding into throut.  Maybe he is right, but it makes me nervous.  It's not every time I brush my teeth either.  Weird!

[898]

Antibodies or viral infection [especially if thyroid is allready weakening because of autoimmune process].
Often the anti-inflammatory medicine such as Ibuprofen can be used to reduce inflammationand and for pain relief, however this may make matters worse if bleeding is present inside the thyroid.

[tiredfedup]

Thanks!  just so tired of waiting and feeling anxious.  By inflammatory process, you mean inflamed from my antiboidies?

[898]

It can be intrathyroidal bleeding or a large cyst or inflammatory process.