Question, Need help

[taiji]

Hello, I am having such a hard time.  I truly hope you can help me or point me in the right direction.  My Endo has not been able to meet with me but gave me the results of my biopsy and nuclear radioaton uptake scan.  The scan came back cold and the biopsy said "favors benign thyroid nodule".  This upsets me, and no one can tell me why it isn't a clear cut yes or no.  I think if they can't tell me then I want it out.  I have trouble swallowing, my ear feels full of stuff and hurts, my lump hurts, I am tired, losing my hair, can't remember one thing from the next, knocking over things, walking into walls, vision blurry, can't lose weight.  The endo office said my blood work came back fine.  I just don't know what to do.  Any suggestions???

Thank you.

T-

[utahmomma]

If you are having a difficult time swallowing, that is a pretty good indication that the nodule is large enough to constrict your esophagus.  Pretty good reason to get it out.

All of the biopsies, scans, blood work, etc. can't always tell you whether or not you have cancer.  The biopsy didn't find any cancerous cells - which is a bit misleading.  Sometimes the needle just doesn't hit the cancer.  Two of my sisters had negative biopsies yet they ended up having cancer.   A "negative" biopsy isn't always correct.

The "cold" nodule on your nuclear scan is worrisome.  Cold nodules aren't producing any thyroid hormone.  

It is estimated that 90-95% of thyroid nodules are benign but you do have some concerning indications.

Here's a good web site that can help explain all of this:  http://www.endocrineweb.com/nodule.html

Most people with thyroid nodules (even those of us with thyroid cancer) have labs that are normal.

You may need to talk to an ENT or another endo for a second opinion.  Obviously you are not "fine" and need to be treated.

Please keep us posted!

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma '03

[Venora Moonwind]

Utah mooma is right about the biopsy. Mine came back negative too and it had cancer. biopsy didnt swhow a thing. change endos and go from there.
Love Venora