The FNA should be done under high frequency ultarsound and Doppler power color flow to aspirate cystic content first and then get a good sample from the solid portion. The Afirma molecular testing should also be considered
Good luck
There are three types of nodules, cystic, solid and mixed. Cystic means fluid only, usually not cancer. Solid nodules have a 5-15% chance of being cancerous, but with the vascularity that rises to 20%. My blood tests were all normal, I still had cancer. I am not saying it is cancer, but there is a 1 in 5 chance that it is. The FNA could tell you more, but often times you will still not get a definitive answer. Diagnosis is the hardest thing, but remember, thyroid cancer is almost 100% curable. As a sibling, you should also be tested, after I found my cancer, my sister was tested and had the same, another sister is being watched.
I had previous standard blood testsvbecause I thyroid problem. They didn't pick up anything until I asked for T3 and T4 tests.
The throat swelling could be a goiter and blood obviously flows to the thyroid so it could just be that they didn't test for the right things. Nodules, swellings and general increases in size are all thyroid behaviour which is treatable.
Personally I found getting diagnosed was the most tricky, frustrating part