Thyroid Nodule symptoms/reactions

[michelleee71]

I have a 3.2 cm. nodule located in my lower left thyroid. I am undergoing a partial thyroidectomy for a suspicious follicular lesion in November. I am waiting for a call back from my doctor on what he'd like me to do, but I recently found a very small pea-sized bump on the far right of my neck (which seems to be out of the realm of where my original thyroid ultrasound took place to figure out my first lump). Does anyone have any thoughts as to whether this might be related to my first nodule or do you think it's just a "typical" swollen lymph node that most people have?

Also, I'm wondering if anyone has ever experienced itchy skin over their thyroid nodule (perhaps it is growing)? Or it might just be my heightened sensitivity to the entire area that is bringing my attention to it.

Finally, has anyone ever experienced a stiff neck that could be related to the nodule?  My initial symptom was related to difficulty swalling.  For the last couple weeks, I have had difficulty turning my neck and soreness/tightness on the left side (the same side as the nodule in question).

[michelleee71]

Hi, thanks for responding to me.  Actually, yes, I did have an FNA on the lower left nodule that found it to be suspicious.  I asked the doctor if my swallowing issues would get better upon removal of that half of the thyroid, but he didn't commit to an answer.  I think it will take about a week to find out if the first lobe is cancerous or not.  I'm not too worried since I understand that this is easily remedied. I do agree that getting itchy does have a bit to do with my increased sensitivity to the entire area and I sure hope that my stiff neck is alleviated by the removal of this extra piece of my body!

I have heard the other side could just be a swollen lymph node (even left over from younger years, but one which I have just discovered since I was checking out my neck so much), but they're having me come in next Tuesday just to check it out.  It's actually feels like a hard little bump.

I'm not sure if they would be going into that area during the surgery, though, because it's located so far from the area where they are going to remove.  I don't know how they could possibly get over there without another incision (unless they need to at the time).  It really seems as if it's past my thryoid (because I don't recall my original ultrasound going over that far).

[Migueleto]

I had my left thyroid removed last May 30th 2010 due to a lump that grew 2.9 cm. Prior to that I had a FNB and came out benign. However, after my surgery, the thyroid that was removed contained 2 microscopic papillary carcinoma. As a result, I had my right lobe also removed last Oct. 3rd. If your endo. or surgeon recommends that your right lobe be removed as well, go for it. The FNB doesn't guarantee a 100% benign tumor because it can only take a few samples. I wish you all the best and keep us posted. I'll pray for you.
  

[MANmom]

Looks like you have suspicious cells from an FNA biopsy, they probably can't tell until they get it out.  Your chances of it being cancer are only 5-15%, but the size is a concern, if you are having swallowing issues, it is probably the cause.  I had nodules and swallowing issues, hoarseness, and hypo issues, they took out 1/2 my thyroid and did find cancer.  It is worth getting it out to test it, you can live without the thyroid.  The other is probably a swollen lymph, but they will look at it while you are having the lobectomy.  Surgery is pretty easy.

[redheadaussie]

Hi, It sounds more likely you have a goitre, ( a swollen thyroid) or an enlarged nodule.

It can often happen that people with a nodule can have more than one. The nodules can grow quite quickly or take their time. The facts are we notice them more in the front of our necks than the back, due to the thin skin tissue just in front of our voice boxes.
You might well have what is known as Multi-nodular goitre..just a fancy name for a lumpy bumpy thyroid that has swelled up a bit.

The itchy skin may well be just the fact you are concentrating more on that area. You know when someone mentions headlice we start to automatically scratch our heads, it can be like that.

The stiff neck shows me that you have a goitre. An enlarged thryoid. The thyroid sits pretty much 3/4 around the throat, so if it is larger than normal will not allow you to turn your neck as much as previously.

Have  you had a Fine Needle Biopsy done on the nodule? I would not be taking out the thyroid until you know for sure what the outcome of that is. If you do have a goitre, it might be treated with medication.