Needle Biopsy?

[Lucy1956]

I just got a partial update on my thyroid ultrasound. I  have a multinodular goiter. My FNP stated that we will be increasing my dose of Levo after Dec 12th tests. I will see an ENDO soon.

Symptoms still joint pain and muscle stiffness in legs. Along with difficulty swallowing, tired all the time. I am more menatally alert now.

Is the "Fine Needle Aspiration," (FNA) or needle biopsy the next step?  

These are the results of the test I requested after the TSH test done 3 weeks ago TSH = 4.7
Taking 25mcg till 12 Decmber then re-evaluate.

Anti-microsomal Antibody test = > 1000.0 IU/mL  Ref = 0.0-3.9
Thyroglobulin Antibody test = > 1000.0 IU/mL     Ref = 0.0-14.4
Free T-4 = 1.1 ng/dl               ref = 0.9-1.7
Free T-3 = 2.6 pg/ml              ref = 2.0-4.4
ANA Titer = 1:320                  ref=1:40

[TamraW]

Lucy, your report does say you have nodules, just not the size. Keep an eye on those, and request the biopsy if they are big enough. You will get your strength back. I am now doing Yoga and strength training again.

Nice meeting you, too.

:) Tamra

[Lucy1956]

Thanks for your input, And the welcome>

Guess I have no nodules or too small to see. I go to an ENDO soon. My meds will be going up soon too. Would like to get back to running and lifting weights again as my job depends on my fitness. I have lost so much strength. Glad to have met you.

Thanks

Lucy

[TamraW]

This only tells the size of the lobes, not the nodule sizes. I had all of my nodules biopsied. Three were .9 mm and one was 1.0 cm. Any smaller than .8 mm and the doc may not be able to biopsy.

Dentist fillings honestly hurt worse than my thyroid biopsies, which were over in a flash. If the nodules are big enough, then do request the biopsy just to be safe. Nodules usually shrink with the thyroid meds.

You have high antibodies for sure, which points to Hashimoto's disease, so welcome to the club!

:) Tamra

[Lucy1956]

Hey Laura,

Verbatim,

Both lobes appear moderately enlarged with generalized distortion of the gland architecture, which has a course heterogeneous appearance consistent with the diagnosis of multi-nodular goiter. No discrete of dominant or focal mass is demonstrated on this examination. The right lobe measures 4.9 x 2.3 x 2.2 cm : left measures 4.7 x 2.2 x 1.8.

What do ya think.

[laura1967]

FNA are usually done on only nodules large enough.....what sized were yours on your ultrasound?
You definately have high antibodies....probably the reason for your goiter.