Is it possible to have inner ear pain from thyroid nodules?

[julie383]

I just found out 2 weeks ago that I have a nodule that is 2cm along with several others on my thyroid. I have always had a large thyroid but in the past nothing was ever found. For the past few years I have had pain in my left ear and was wondering if this could be contributing to it. Some days the pain will almost be non-existent and then other days it is awful. The doctor looked in my ear and said I have trapped fluid inside but how can this be a constant problem? Doesn't the fluid eventually dry up? Is this even a possible problem from the thryoid nodules I have? Thank you.

[bluestarmom187]

Yes. The nodules can grow. Your doctor sounds like he already has an idea of what the FNA will come back. If it comes back as anything other then benign then surgery will be on the schedule. Thats the part that I did not agree with. If you get a suspicious result they want surgery. I had my FNA sent out for a second opinion.

[stella5349]

If a nodule comes back suspecious off an FNA then most like in the best interest of the patient any qualified doctor will suggest surgery immediately.

They do not like to take their time with even the thought of it "might " be being cancer.

Messing around - getting a second opinion on FNA "suspecious" results can be costly - confuse the issues more - and in the end be a delay in correct treatment, as bluestar mom understands entirely.

If you are not going to look for alternatives which a few things are still done,  then moving forward swiftly on treament or surgery is best.

The clock stops for no one and you have to have faith in what you are told at times to perserve your health and wellness.

Contant second guessing can in the end cost you everything.  

Please keep in mind that each step after an FNA is very important - we will be here to answer as much as possible. Can you make sure you can get a copy of the actual FNA report? and also if you can post your last report from the ultra sounds on the board here too.

That really helps alot.

[julie383]

I certainly can see both of your points. I guess in reality it's hard to tell whether anything is 100% benign even with the FNA. At this point it is me trying to hold onto a very important part of my body that I don't want to seem to part with unless it's absolutely neccessary. I have always been a diehard and stubborn. I do know one thing for sure, if it is cancer then yes I will definitely have it removed without question. If it isnt, the dr. has informed me that he will consider removing only the half that is affected. I will get any reports that I can when I go back in this Thursday to find out the prognosis. Thanks for writing.

[julie383]

JolieFille- I don't believe I have Hashimotos, although I don't even know what my TSH levels are, they have told me only normal. I get the ear pain very similar to what you have experience...although sometimes it can last for longer periods.

[julie383]

skeeterknitwit- I don't blame you for thinking that is unacceptable, that just sounds crazy what they said to you! The dr has told me he is not sure if the pain in my ear is related to my thyroid nodules and has informed me he cannot promise it will go away.
All depending on what happens with the diagnosis will determine what I do about my ear problem! Most likely I will end up seeing and ENT.

BTW I have tried acupuncture in the past it was very interesting, I would probably try again the future.

[Rachel4]

If you have unresolved fluid in the middle ear you really need to see an ENT to get it taken care of. This fluid can solidify, which will cause even more pain. The fluid can actually permanently damage the ossicles in the middle ear which will result in a conductive hearing loss. I wouldn't let the ear drum rupture on it's own, but perforating the ear drum is a cure for stubborn middle ear effusion.

Knowing the anatomy I can't see how a thyroid nodule would cause pressure and effusion in the middle ear. Chemically, I don't know.

Good luck!