Swollen Thyroid

[crystaldawn83]

Hello I am new to this whole thing so forgive me if this has been posted before.

I am 30yrs old and have had problems in the past where my neck would swell but only for a couple of hours. On Friday the 17th my neck became very swollen. I went to the doctor on Monday and she said my thyroid is swollen and did a blood test. The test came back fine but the swelling has gotten worse and now a new lump has appeared on the right side of my neck above the other lump. It doesn't really hurt it's just sore. I am having difficulty breathing and swallowing, also I have a hard time turning my head. I told my doctor about this and all she did was prescribe me pain pills and told me to do neck exercises... Thank you for any insight on this. Also my mother has thyroid issues but has never experienced swelling. My grandfather on my mothers side has had thyroid, throat, lung, pancreas, and skin cancer. I know nothing of my fathers side.

At this point I do not know what to do. I am always tired!! I also break out in hives and get really red on my chest sometimes. I don't know if this has anything to do with whats going on but figured I would throw it in.

[crystaldawn83]

I went back to my doctor today and she told me there was no reason to do those test. My neck has became more enlarged and she told me I had lymphadentitis and put me on Keflex, (I am allergic to penicillin put was told I will be fine). She did not seem worried at all and spent only about 20 seconds feeling my lymph nodes... she didn't even bother to look/feel my thyroid.  What is your recommendation? Can I just go to the ER so someone will actually look for something, should I seek a second opinion (I live in a very small town with not really any choices or the time to drive 1 1/2 hours one way. I feel stuck... I honestly feel as if there is something to find.  I looked at the symptoms of lymphadentitis and I do not believe I have any of those.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

With the family history and neck swelling, especially if this is in the lower front part of the neck, thyroid evaluation is appropriate.  Would check TSH, T4 and TPO antibodies for labs and consider thyroid ultrasound to determine if what you are feeling is indeed a thyroid enlargement.

[crystaldawn83]

Also, I have posted a picture of my neck in my profile. Thank you