Should I be concerned?

[Larri]

Hello.. the thyroid gland demostrates multiple low density nodules and areas of course calcification. The left node is enlarged but does not extend to the retrosternal position. Am in remission for NHL. Oncologist doesn't seem concerned, should I be??
Larri

[utahmomma]

Cheryl - non-hodgkins lymphoma

[ChitChatNine]

What does NHL stand for?

There is great Health Page link to nodules and biopsies ... definitely take a look .. since yours says calcifications, I would do the uptake scan, too.

C~

[utahmomma]

Ask for an uptake scan too.  That's where they give you a small amount of radiated iodine to see if the nodules absorb it or not (and how much, if they do).  If it doesn't absorb it's classified as "cold" and is highly suspicious or is not thyroid tissue.  Either way, that would be a strong indicator for you to get it out.

Is it possible you are having a recurrence in your thyroid area?  Have they given you a PET scan (not always reliable for thyroid cancer but would be a good test for a NHL recurrence)???

My best to you - I'm so sorry for all you've been though.

[Larri]

Thankyou for taking the time to respond and so informatively. I am to book for a thyroid scan Tuesday.


2005/06 Large Diffuse Agressive B-Cell Non Hodgklins lymphoma in stomach 7cm size, metasezed into neck. Chemo treatment. 2006/08 small procedures-removal of suspect lumps. Small cyct/node in kidney, under rib cage and stomach-all benign..
brother died Apr 2008 three types of cancer
mother died 1991 - ovarian
father still being treated (after three surgeries) prostate cancer
several relatives in Uk died or being treated for various forms

you can see why I'm paranoid!

[utahmomma]

Anytime you have had cancer there is concern.  Please find a good endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid (so many do not) and checking into the nodules further.  Many ENTs are also good with thyroid conditions.  Perhaps a needle biopsy is in order.  An uptake scan could also be beneficial to see if they are functioning nodules.

Many doctors (oncologists included) often thing that thyroid cancers aren't "real" cancers or are of any concern.

I know that anytime I have anything "weird" happen in my body I worry about cancer too.  Having been through it, it's always on your mind.

Yours are probably nothing (over 90% are) but, as you know, better safe than sorry.

Here's hoping that everything is fine.

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma '03
recurrence and RAI '06 and probably '08
three sisters with papillary carcinoma (one with three recurrences)