need some info about what my doctor is telling me

Where to start? Ok, so I went to an endo because I thought perhaps I had some sort of metabolic disorder causing my weight gain and such. During the physical examination he said it felt like my thyroid was swollen or something so ordered a thyroid sonogram. At the same time they did all the normal bloodwork and my thyroid levels came back normal. He called yesterday and said that the sonogram showed a large nodule on my thryroid. He said it was on the left side but was so big it seemed to spread all across the middle(whatever that means). He wants to do a biopsy in a week to see if it is cancerous or not. He said that most are benign but that with one the size of mine there is a higher risk of it being cancerous.
So, why did the thyroid levels come back normal if there is a nodule on them?
Why I have not felt something like a large nodule so far?
How long will it take to get the results of the needle biopsy?
I am pretty scared, nervous, worried and in general a mess. I would love to have some feedback. Thanks so much. :)

[TXMomOfFaith]

Please somebody respond, I am going crazy right about now.

[mommy2two2008]

I don't know much about nodules but wanted to respond because I could feel your concern.  I have an enlarged thyroid and my blood was normal.  So, the nodule does not mean your thyroid is not functioning properly.  The mass needs some additional testing to be sure of what is going on and there are other considerations too, I just don't know what they are.  Other members here are way better qualified to help, I just really wanted to respond to bump you up on the board in hope of someone with more experience responding to you.  Additionally, there is good information on on medhelps health pages.  Look for things on thyroid nodules.

Hope this helps and try to stay calm.  ~K

[TDCRose]

Hi welcome to the board.  I have a large nodule in the lower part of right lobe that can not be seen or felt, but it is bothering my swallowing and breathing.   I also had two others on the left lobe that seem to have disappeared-yeah for synthroid.  

FNA test results time period can run from a few days to a week depending on the size of the facility running test.  Try to remember that 95% of nodules are bengin and that if it is cancer it is heighly treatable.  I am sure many others on the board will tell you the same thing.  

The worst part of thyroid disease is the waiting for test results.  

Get the actual number results from your doctor for the thryoid tests he ordered.  What is normal range may not be normal for you.  Also ask him to run Thyroid Antibody test.  Once you post these numbers the veterns of the boards will be able to chime in.  

Take a deep breath and try not to worry.

Lori

[TXMomOfFaith]

Have you had a biopsy done on your large nodule yet?

I was actually suprised to hear that my thyroid test came back normal because I feel like I show signs of thyroid problems. I think what scares me about the whole "normal thyroid levels" things I read somewhere that mostly benign nodules will cause the levels to be off and malignant nodules will show a normal range.

[KelDC]

First, welcome!  You will find much support and knowledge here!

Yes, it is entirely possible to have normal bloodwork and still have thyroid nodules or cancer. I had a swollen thyroid covered in nodules (none of which I could feel), and all of my blood tests were normal.  But, I had thyroid cancer.   Sadly, a biopsy is also not always accurate, either - there are many who have had a biopsy come back benign and had cancer, too. My biopsy was technically 'inconclusive', but suspicious for cancer.  My doctor told me that he recommends thyroidectomy for inconclusive results, too.  Because the only way to know for sure if the thyroid is cancerous is to remove it.

FNA (fine needle aspiration) biopsies and punch biopsies can come back within days... but it all depends on your doctor/lab.  I had my results extremely quickly, but that is not the norm.

Your doctor is doing the right thing - a biopsy is the right next step and an important one! They can learn a lot from a biopsy, and it's great that you can get it done so quickly. It sounds like your doctor is on top of things.  He is right - almost all nodules are benign (and almost all people have nodules at one time or another!).  

So, take a deep breath, know you are doing the right thing, and keep on researching and learning all you can. Knowledge is power!  We are here for you - please keep us posted!!!!  Sending tons of good wishes your way!

[Thypatient]

My thryoid was multi-nodular and my bloodwork was entirely normal.  My dr skipped the biopsy before surgery because either way, my thyroid had to come.  Post pathology showed everything was benign.

I'm happy to report that aspect to you because it contradicts what you read.  Please be careful and discerning of things you come across.  There are many different scenarios.

Welcome.  I wish you well and keep sharing.

[4ur411]

Dear member,  I was reading your response to this post and was curious about something you stated.  You stated that your doctor skipped the biopsy because, as you put it, "either way it had to come."  I assume this meant that you had your thyroid removed, but I'm curious as to why.  Do you mind sharing the purpose of the removal since there was no biopsy or stated suspicion of cancer?  Thanks

[Smilerdeb]

A lot of the times, the thyroid is removed because of obstruction with the airways or swallowing.

It all depends on the individual case.
Mine had no nodules but my levels were never ever able to be controlled by meds (Graves and Hyperthyroidism).
RAI was scheduled because of atrial fibrillation episodes but 2 days before RAI, cancer was found in thyroid tissue so I had keyhole TT done 3 months after RAI.
The reason being that surgery was too dangerous at the time.

I have had RAI , had TT and made a full recovery surviving great on a T4 med with stable levels roughly 6 months after RAI.

There are many reasons why a thyroid has to be removed......nodules are not the only reason.Maybe Thypatient had uncontrollable levels???