Could this nodule be the source of all my problems?

[ynotjackie]

Since June 2008 I have been diagnosed with Alopecia Aerata (hair loss), chronically inflamed gallbladder, unexplained weight loss (35 pounds), pancreatic insufficiency with reasons unknown, dry cracking skin, acne, gingivitis, severe dysphagia, high cholesterol, vitamin d deficiency and extreme fatigue. I do take very good care of myself, and eat a very balanced diet. On March 8, 2010, an ultrasound scan of my thyroid showed a nodule. I have pasted the results below. Could this be the source of all my problems? And should I be concerned that this may be malignant?

FINDINGS- The right lobe of the thyroid measures 4.3 x 1.3 x 1.4 cm.
The left lobe measures 3.7 x 1.5 x 1.3 cm. The isthmus measures 2 mm.
The thyroid echotexture is homogeneous. In the upper pole of the left
lobe, there is a complex hyperechoic nodule which measures 1.0 x 0.8 x
0.9 cm. No additional focal lesions are seen.

IMPRESSION-

Complex 1 cm nodule in the upper pole of the left lobe of the thyroid.
Underlying malignancy cannot be excluded and correlation is recommended
with biopsy.

[ynotjackie]

Thanks for your response. My primary dr. felt the nodule during my annual physical in February, and they ordered the ultrasound then. I can only feel and see that it is enlarged. I also have some lymph nodes that are tender around the left jaw line.  I also get a complete blood workup which includes the thyroid at my annual physical. Everything was normal except vitamin d levels. I have also been having many symptoms that are unexplained like hair loss. I actually have several round bald spots on the back and sides of my head now. The dermatologist and primary dr. have run extensive bloodwork looking for autoimmune disorders, hormone and thyroid problems. Everything comes back normal. The symptom that seems to bother me the most is the swallowing and choking on food. I have been doing this now for a year, and it really started to get bad this past fall. I had barium swallows done which diagnosed dysphagia with risk of aspiration. I now am going to physical therapy for this, and it is extremely hard to do. Less than 2 yrs ago, I weighed 150 lbs. I was always trying to diet and exercise, but just could never seem to lose weight. Then in July 2008 my weight started falling off, and I was not even trying to lose at that point. By December 2008, I had lost 35 pounds. It was coming off so fast that at that time my dr. started doing scans and tests of ovaries, lungs, colon and breast looking for cancer. I recently had a MRI of my pancreas also. We never found cancer or anything. I now take enzymes with all my meals trying to maintain my weight which has leveled out to 108-110 pounds. This whole ordeal has aged me so much. I am kind of hoping that this thyroid nodule is my whole problem, so I can at least know what is happening to me.
Before I made an appointment with this Endocrinologist, I did look up reviews on all the Endos in my area. There are only 4 practices withing 35 miles of me. The dr I was referred to seem to be the most knowledgeable about the thyroid. I am not afraid to get a second opinion if I am not comfortable after meeting her.

[stella5349]

Actually what it is saying is a nodule was found and nothing can be determined until a biopsy is preformed.

Usually in those scans when a nodule is found the chances of cancer are mininal. The rad dept most always puts that on the report when something is found as a cover for themselves. It doesn't mean you will have cancer by no means.

Always better safe than sorry - but your nodule located is very small and may not be able to be cultured/FNA. Can you see it? - Is it near the surface and can you palpitate it?

You may find that observation time of 6 mths may be best. As for seeing this endo your doctor referred you too. Call them, - make sure they see more  cases of thyroid than diabeties. If you find this endo is less thyroid - find another until you are certain thyroid is their specialty.

Complex nodule - has a varity of character.

Cyst = Mixed soft solution

Mixed nodule - I assume would be close to a complex one. not totally sure on that.

Did you doctor run thyroid labs w/ all the others?

[ynotjackie]

Thanks for your feedback. My primary dr. has referred me to an Endo. My appointment is on the 23rd. Do you know if there is a difference between a complex nodule, complex cyst and mixed nodule? I am getting a little confused with all the literature.

[blsdnsvd]

You may have a thyroid condition that is causing all of your symptoms and the only way to identify is by having bloodwork for the thyroid

Due to the impression of your thyroid....it is basically saying that cancer cannot be ruled out and in that case, it's best to remove the nodule or thyroid whichever the surgeon suggests.