Difficulty swallowing and chest palpations

[mb4116]

I was recently diagnosed with a left 3cm heterogeneous mass in the mid- and inferior region.  I have been having much discomfort with swallowing and an "uneasiness feeling" that seems to be like chest palpations or upper chest discomfort.  It's hard to desribe but it makes me feel like I've had too much caffeine, which I do not consume anymore.  Are my symptons associated with this mass and even though 75% of these types of mass are benign, can the mass be treated with medication to decrease it's size?  My TSH levels are normal, which I thought was odd since the mass is 3x2x2 and the left lobe is 4.1x2x2, is this normal?

[mb4116]

Actually my FNB will be done 9/13, not sure what to expect?  Any comments to help prepare would be appreciated.  But if a mass the size would normally be removed, why do the FNB?  Why not just remove the mass and test then?  Or is there a rationale for taking the steps recommended and if the FNB is ok then what?

[dragonfly429]

Hi!  I too have Hashi's and have had it for over 6 years.  For years, after stabilizing my TSH I have been asymptonmatic.  Lately, I've been more and more prone to throat infections.  My latest bout is the feeling that I have one whopper of a goiter - my neck is swollen, can't swallow, can't breath hoarceness - lying down is out of the question!  When I saw my endo he gave me a predisone pack with some Leviquin.  Told me my thryoid isn't too enlarged but my neck muscles and the whole area are inflammed.  Now I'm done the treatment and I still have a lot of discomfort.  Does anyone have any suggestions on how to give me some relief?  It's been a week now, and I'm desperate.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

I guess the FNA was benign.  TSH is normal in about 90% of nodular thyroid disease.  The size of the mass may be exerting some pressure in the neck and upper chest.  Medicine rarely will decrease the size of these significantly (esp in areas of the world where we get plenty of iodine -- like the US).  I-131 can sometimes shrink these -- may need an I-123 scan to see if takes up iodine.