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Nodule on Thyroid---what does this mean???

I had an ultrasound that showed a nodule on my thyroid.  What does this mean?  My doctor has ordered further blood tests and is sending me to a nose, throat and ear specialist who he said would use a needle to take fluid from the nodule to see what is going on there.  
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Avatar universal
Thank you so much for all that information.  I'll check out the website you suggested.  
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Avatar universal
So sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner but today is the first day I have been on computer.  I am having other health problems besides this thyroid thing and could not get back sooner.  Good luck on October 1, 2008.  All my good thoughts and wishes are with you for tomorrow.  Try not to worry so much.  I know it's hard not to worry.   my My mom always said, "worry when you know you have a reason to worry, otherwise, you worry needlessly over something that may never happen or just isn't what you think it is".   I'm keeping that in mind and taking one thing at a time.  Mom's in her 80's and she's quite the free spirit and optimist. Let me know the results of your Byopsy and how things are going with you.  
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Avatar universal
I appreciate your help and you have answered some of my questions.  Thank you.
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Avatar universal
Thanks so much for replying.  I had a triple by-pass back in February and ended up in the hospital in early September as I was and am still experiencing chest tightness, breathing difficulties and chest pain.  I had an angiogram which indicated the arteries had not reblocked and that the by-passes where fine so I have been going through a series of tests to determine what is wrong, one of which was an ultrasound on my thryoid as I have lost well over 20 1bs since the by-pass yet am eating more than I ever have, and am tired all the time.  I'll be going through a series of further tests and am hoping that I'll have an answer to why I am having these symptoms and what is causing them.  I will be seeing a ENT about the thyroid soon so we will see what becomes of that when the time comes.  Just have to relax and not worry.  You too just relax and don't worry.  If it was so small your doctor did not send you to a ENT, then you are probably fine.  Has your doctor done further blood tests to check on your thyroid?   What is Hashimotos Thyroiditis?
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Avatar universal
thank you, that does help clear up some things.  do they do a "thyroid scan" to tell if it is hot or cold?  I am assuming that the us only tells them if it is a solid or fluid filled?  i am trying to see the positive in all of this, but it is difficult.  thanks again!!
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158939 tn?1274915197
Here's a great web site for all of you that will tell you about nodules:

http://www.endocrineweb.com/thyroid.html

There are basically three types of nodules:  cystic (fluid filled), solid, and complex (comprised of solid and cystic materials).  After they determine what "type" the nodule is, there can be different tests they can run on them.  Such as, solid nodules can be subjected to an uptake scan which is a radiation scan to show if the tissue is "hot" (overproducing thyroid hormones), "warm" (absorbing the iodine but not more than the rest of the thyroid), or "cold" which means it isn't thyroid tissue and is suspicious.

Cystic nodules, unless they are so large they are compressing the structures in the throat, are usually left alone.  If they are too large they can be drained, injected with alcohol, or surgically removed.

Complex cysts are a bit more difficult because they have traits of both of the above.  These need to be monitored closely (like a "cold", solid nodule) and may be given an uptake scan, watched over a period of time, or (if suspicious enough or large enough) removed.

Hope this helps a bit

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i am going through the same thing now.  i just found out i have a nodule and had a us.  i was hoping for a fluid filled cyst, no such luck, it is a solid nodule.  i don't know how much more concerned i should be.  i go for biopsy on oct 1.  i also have read that 90 plus % of these things are benign.  but that doesn't help the nerves at all when it is you going through it.  i had to take a personal leave from work.  i am having a hard time coping with this whole dx.  i have a feeling that from her on out it will be test after test.  from what i have read from other posts it appears to be a "roller coaster" ride.  good luck and keep your chin up!!!!!
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280485 tn?1249013844
A nodule can effect your thyroid's function.  It could be cancer, or it can actually be absolutely nothing.  90-95% of nodules are nothing and more and more prevalent the older one gets.  But that is why your doctor is ordering more tests.  More needs to be known about the characteristics of the nodule and how it is affecting your thyroid's ability to function.  If "fluid", that you mention they taking out some of, is present only, that would be a good thing.  A cystic nodule would most likely be benign.  Descriptions like "calcification" are more a cause for concern.  As would any abnormalities with your TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 (thyroid function).

Don't worry though until you know more as odds are this will likely be a totally benign dx.  Good luck and welcome to the forum!
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620923 tn?1452915648
I too have a nodule, mine is too small to take a biopsy of it.....and I was not sent to a ENT  either.I was told it was Hashimotos thyroiditis! And I'd havae to have another U/S in 6  months- that is tomorrow!! The nodule can be nothing or it could be cancer.It can grow or stay the same.....everyone is different.After the needle biopsy, they will be better able to answer ur questions. You may need meds, u may not.Relax until the tests r done.

My question is y did u have the U/S in the first place? What were ur symptoms?

Good luck
Godspeed
"selma"
Helpful - 0
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