Thyroid ultrasound

[KrisMia]

Concerned about my ultrasound 11/01/12. The thyroid gland is of normal size with the right lobe measuring 4.6 x 1.3 x 1.4cm and the left 2.8 x 1.1 x 1.2cm. There are 3 left-sided thyroid nodules seen, two inferiorly at 8 and 5 mm and one superiorly at 6 mm. These nodules are heterogeneous and hypoechoic in nature. There is a 2.5 x 0.8 cm lymph node in the left aspect of the neck which has prominent fatty hilum and which has normal short axis measurement. No right-sided thyroid nodules. What should be done? Can the thyroid issues be connected to dark green breast discharge (10/29/12 Culture tested Many Positive Cocci, No PMNs Seen, 4+ Mixed skin flora). Had breast mammo and breast ultrasound, no findings found. Had complete hysterectomy 2008. Please help!

[Barb135]

Well yes, the thyroid does produce hormones, but so do the adrenals, the reproductive organs, etc.  The hormones are all part of the endocrine system and while they are all intertwined and must be balanced in order for you to feel well, they do all serve different purposes.  As I said before, it's very unlikely that the thyroid would cause a green discharge from the nipples.  Since the breasts are more closely related to the reproductive system, I'd suggest you look in that direction, rather thyroid..  You might also want to have tests done on the mammary ducts to rule out issues there, as well.

[KrisMia]

I checked the report and it says nothing about a follow up in regards to the nodules.

[KrisMia]

Thank you for your advice :) I asked if the breast discharge has anything to do with the thyroid because the tech told me, the thyroid makes hormones and can cause hormonal issues.

[Barb135]

Was there a section of your report that indicated further follow up for the thyroid?  

Many of us have nodules on our thyroid and they are of no concern, unless their characteristics begin changing or they get large enough to be problematic.

I doubt seriously that the thyroid issue would have any connection to breast discharge, though a pituitary or hypothalamus issue could, though discharge from malfunction of pituitary or hypothalamus is normally, milky.

A bit of research turned up one possibility called fibrocystic breasts.  While "fibrocystic breasts" are normal, they can cause breast pain, tenderness and lumpiness — especially in the upper, outer area of your breasts.

Symptoms of fibrocystic breasts may include:

    Breast lumps or areas of thickening
    Breast pain or tenderness
    Fluctuating size of breast lumps
    Green or dark brown nonbloody nipple discharge
    Changes in both breasts
    Monthly increase in breast pain or lumpiness from midcycle (ovulation) to just before your period

Fibrocystic breast changes occur most often in women in their 20s to 50s. Rarely do postmenopausal women experience fibrocystic breast changes, unless they're on hormone therapy"

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibrocystic-breasts/DS01070

While I've never had green discharge, I've had fibrocystic breasts, since my early 20's. I do get a mammogram annually (most of the time), because fibrocystic breasts seem to be more prone to breast cancer (so my doctors have told me).