Nuclear Scan results - hypofunctioning nodule

[Thumper54]

Findings:  There is tracer uptake in the left thyroid bed.  Pattern is homogeneous.  There is minimal tracer uptake in the right thyroid bed.  Pattern is more suggestive of a large hypofunctioning nodule within this region.  Does not correspond to the recent ultrasound.  There is palpable mass in the right neck.
26 hour uptake is 3.3%
Is a hypofunctioning nodule the same as a cold nodule?  Did enough uptake occur for an accurate scan?  Does the 3% mean even the left side?  Just so you know, the most recent ultrasound referred to was showing a 3.4 cm nodule on the left side that had grown from 7mm six months previously.  The endo I just saw did NOT see the ultrasound (he couldn't find it) and does not plan to see me again until after Dec.  I am worried because I am weakening physically, have difficulty swallowing, and am hoarse almost all day now.  Please explain the results and advise.  Thank you.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Hypofunctioning usually would mean "cold".  The 26h uptake is low which may give poor image quality. Would correlate direcetly with the ultrasound and TSH values before making decisions. Sounds like you need to be seen sooner than 3 months with this size nodule and your symptoms.

[Thumper54]

I noticed that I said the wrong side for the nodule.  I is on the right side.