Thyroid Problems

[itzanono]

I have a swollen lump on the left side of the my throat. A sonogram was done and the findings was  a 2 x 1 centimeter nodule along the aspect of the left lobe, possibly extrathyroidal. The technician stated that a CT neck with contrast maybe useful to further characterize. Do I really need to have all these tests done? I keep paying for $30.00 co-pays just to tell me I need another test making more money for him as well. Now he just ordered a CT scan of my neck.

[898_1]

The CT scan is useful for imaging the tissue behind the bone or far from surface. If tumor is questionable MRI has much better resolution (CT scan can sometimes produce artifacts)
Not to mention radiation exposure = to  6 chest x-rays.
If tumor moves during swallowing it is somehow attached to thyroid capsule or voice box.

[Barb135]

How does the ultrasound technician have the authority to order a CT scan?

On what basis was the recommendation to have the CT?  Were there unusual characteristics showing up on the ultrasound?

Have there been any actual thyroid hormone tests done?  You should have had Free T3 and Free T4, which are both thyroid hormones, as well as a TSH which is a pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid to produce hormones.  Those are "standard" whenever a thyroid condition is suspected.  

Additionally, you should request thyroid antibody tests to determine whether or not you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  Nodules are very common in those of us with Hashimoto's and are usually nothing to worry about.  The thyroid antibody tests you need are Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab).  You need them both, because either one being positive is basis for a Hashimoto's diagnosis.

Last, but certainly not least, do you have any symptoms, other than the lump?

I think I'd be asking for a lot more information before I continue to have more imaging tests.