Thyroid Nodule, Cancerous or can it be Toxic Nodule?

[Beautyqueens]

Hi again, I also wanted to let you know that my Doctor feels that God willing the biopsy will come back benign that he feels it is probably a toxic nodule that has been making me sick for years and he suggests having surgery to remove the nodule and that all of my thyroid problems will go away, how true is this? Is surgery really the only option? It freaks me out a bit. What are the chances this nodule is cancerous? I have done a lot of research and read that at least 85 to 90% are benign, is this true?
Can I have a toxic nodule in my neck for years that has been making me sick? How dangerous is it if it is God Forbid Cancer that I might have had it in me for 6 years or so? Would a cancerous nodule make your TSH level become very low? I actually became hyperthyroid because of this nodule, most likely.
I am scared out of my mind as I have a 10 year old little boy with Autism that needs me to be around a LONG time to take care of him, I am so scared for him, plus he knows Mommy is sick now, he can tell and he is scared that something is going to happen to me and it is breaking my heart. I keep reassuring him that Mommy is taking her medicine and fighting to get better and that everything is going to be ok but you know kids, they are very smart! I think it's normal for him to be scared though.

Thank you again
Vicki

[utahmomma]

Hi Vicki,

I can understand that you are scared out of your mind.  Many of us have been when facing all of this garbage.

I'm no expert on toxic nodules but can tell you a little about thyroid cancer since the majority of my family and I have been through it.

You're right, 85-95% of thyroid nodules are BENIGN.  Remember that!  There are also statistics that show that, especially for women, that 40% of 40 year olds have thyroid nodules.  Fifty percent of 50 year olds, 60% of 60 year olds . . . and so it goes.  Nodules aren't that remarkable.

Unless the nodules is causing problems - like a toxic nodule or a malignant one.

For the very few (and the proud) of us who have been through thyroid cancer it is tough but it is unlike any other type of cancer.  The most common (90%) forms of thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, and Hurthle) are *VERY* slow growing cancers.  The treatment plan for thyroid cancer is surgery (removal of thyroid and possibly lymph nodes) which most of us find is a piece of cake.  Don't get me wrong, it's still surgery but for me (twice), my 4 sisters, and my daughter (and many others on this forum) it is the easiest surgery you can imagine.

After surgery most of us go through what we lovingly call RAI (most doctors refer to it as I-131).  This is radiated iodine treatment.  :The cool thing about thyroid tissue is it is the only tissue in the body that absorbs iodine.  We "starve" our bodies for iodine (through a special diet and not taking thyroid meds for a few weeks) then we are given highly radiated iodine.  We are isolated for a few days (either at home or in a hospital depending on your hospital's guidelines) then it's over.  After that we have our bodies scanned to see where the iodine was absorbed (where thyroid tissue was detected) and we restart our thyroid hormones.

That's it - no "radiation" treatment like you would associate with other types of cancer and no "chemo" like other cancer patients have to suffer through.  We get the entire enchilada with the radiated iodine.  After that it's finding a good dose of thyroid replacement hormones and we are monitored with blood work a couple times a year.

It sounds like a lot but it is very doable.  *IF* you have cancer.  If your nodule is benign and you do have surgery you will probably skip the RAI step and go right from surgery to hormone medication.

Here's a little reference material that might help you figure out some questions for your doctors:
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/
http://www.endocrineweb.com/

There are far worse things to go through and you've got the best support system anywhere:  US!  :-)

Hang in there - this is something you can, and will, live through.  I understand your fear, I'm a single mother to two teenagers who have no one but me.  You'll be around for a long time - just get it taken care of so you can get back to feeling better soon!

((HUGS))

[Beautyqueens]

Thank you so much for your encouraging words. I know there is that chance it can be cancerous and that just scares the heck out of me!
How do you develop toxic nodules? How did this happen? So this nodule really can be the reason why I have been sick and getting sicker for years? I remember I started getting sore throats in the summer of 2000, I mean, 7 years ago!  My doctor was running blood tests, doing everything on me and nothing was found, just that I kept getting white spots on my tonsils and this has occured on and off for years! It's gotten better but my throat is still sensitive. Is this a bad sign? I don't get the white spots as much as I used to, I was constantly getting them years ago. I know it's infection in the throat, I thought I was going to have to have my tonsils out.

Thanks so much again, it's great to have all of you in my life now! :)

Vicki

[scarlet37]

   The fact that you have a toxic nodule could have been making you sick for a long period of time. These nodules sometimes create hormones all by themselves therefore causing your tsh readings to be hyper. There's always a chance it can be cancer-- but as you have read amoungst the posters here with experience in that dept. they're alive and here still posting. Yes the chances are low but there there none the less.

  The healing process is the long haul. Most of us have or had medical problems as a result of our thyroid yukkies!! Some of these things go away & some still linger even after surgery or treatment. We all are learning as we go through each day. Some days are struggles and some are as easy as a summer breeze! ( hmmmm i think that's a song?)

  Your son is going to have you around for a very long time- why? Because you found what's wrong and will do what you need to to be there for him!

  And we're here for you.

  God Bless

[Beautyqueens]

Thank you so much for responding, I really am just a wreck over this. My saying is, welcome the world of Thyroid hell! LOL
Honestly, NO ONE has ANY clue as to how hard it is living with thyroid disease! Its a nightmare! I feel like it has stolen my life and I just want my life back!

Thank you again,
Vicki

[scarlet37]

Usually the white spots in the throat mean a strep infection.

   I'm not sure how your nodule became toxic- I do not think this is a precursor to cancer. It sounds like a hyper functioning nodule ( creates it's own tsh hormones)

    Who knows why many of us have nodules. Remember the important thing - you found it finally!!!!!! I know myself I was sick for a long time too and more than 10,000 spent on testing to find the cause. I'm here in hypo heck but ALIVE and I can keep telling my men(hubby & sons) to have a good day when they leave for work/school!

    You'll do just fine. Keep us posted about your biopsy results . We're here to guide each other through.

   Best Wishes

  Teresa

  

[ChitChatNine]

I don't have enough experience to answer your ?'s but I read all the posts (I know isn't a shame with the limit on space) ......... I recall your prior story and glad you found a way to manage the medical bills in the near future .. that is great news and a relief I am certain, but shorter-term, etc. I can understand the apprehension.  I would think a biopsy can reveal more answers but I also would think that a nodule could have affected you these years if it were interfering with the thyroid functioning, etc. but you may not know for certain ..

Welcome the uncertain world of thyroid nodules .... C~