multiple nodules

[grandma63]

I have 10 thyroid nodules two of which were biopsied and found to be benign.  When I asked the Endo. about the other 8, he said he couldn't identify if they were cancerous from an ultra sound.  I don't have my lab results yet but the Endo. told me he's going to put me on some thyroid meds. regardless of the results because I have all of the symptoms of hypo. disorder. I have discomfort on one side of my neck that radiates at times up to my left ear.  This started about 2 mos. ago and it was just last week that I learned the largest nodule is on the left lower side of the gland.  I would prefer to have the whole gland removed because at 63 and being female these nodules aren't going to go away but just get bigger.  I would appreciate any opinions or suggestions on what my next steps would be.

[Barb135]

Many of us have nodules on our thyroid and they cause no harm. Nodules are common with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - do you know if your doctor tested you for that?

Once you get started on thyroid medication, some of your discomfort should go away.

Without knowing what labs were done, and the test results, it's hard for us to comment fully.  When you get the results, please post them here, along with the reference ranges, which vary from lab to lab, so must come from your own report.

[Barb135]

Forgot to mention - it's pretty rare to remove a thyroid simply because of nodules.

[grandma63]

Thanks much for your response!  Would pain on the side of my neck radiating to my ear at times be of any great concern?

[Barb135]

Any type of pain can be a cause for concern, particularly if it's long lasting or chronic.

If you can post your actual thyroid test results (at least TSH, FT3 and FT4), along with reference ranges, we could answer your questions more fully.

[grandma63]

I get my lab results on Tues. and will post them at that time.  Barb, I looked at your profile and noted you have pernicious anemia too!  I was diagnosed at age 39 because I was persistent with my MD about checking my B12 level......she said I was too young to have it!  Well, low and behold, I didn't have any B12!!!  She was shocked.  Went through further testing to confirm the diagnosis.  I have to take B12 injections 2x/mos. instead of one to keep my B12 in the mid-range.  When and how were you diagnosed with it?

[Barb135]

Unfortunately, these diseases don't have age limits.

I was first diagnosed with pernicious anemia when I was in my late 20's and was given B12 shots monthly for quite some time.  I didn't think they did that much good and with 2 small children, money was tight, so I stopped taking them.  

Felt like crap for years, but no doctor ever checked B12 levels again, even though blood tests pointed that direction (I didn't know that at the time). Finally re-diagnosed a few years ago, when I had severe tingling/numbness in my feet, legs, hands and arms.  I take weekly shots to keep my B12 level high enough.

[blsdnsvd]

I had a multinodular Thyroid which i had removed due to abnormal cells that were not cancer. My Thyroid was twice the size of a normal gland which was another reason for removal. I had discomfort as well and could not wear anything around my neck due to feeling like I was choking.

[grandma63]

Sounds like you REALLY needed to have your thyroid removed......some big symptoms leading to its removal.  Are you feeling OK with replacement therapy?

[grandma63]

Too many MDs forget about checking for B12 particularly in the younger and older person. One of my mantras to people is to have your thyroid checked and, if there are deficiency symptoms, e.g., tingling/numbness in your hands and feet, to have a B12 checked.  You can develop dementia and actually die from lack of B12.  I don't produce and Intrinsic factor in my stomach/small intestinge so I can't absorb oral B12 - that's why injections are necessary. I'm a strong believer in taking B-vitamins and Vit. D in the winter especially if you live north of Atlanta.  We just don't get enough sunlight to absorb D.  

[Barb135]

I'm a huge advocate of B12 and thyroid testing, as well, but of course, back then I didn't have a clue.  I don't absorb B12 either, which is why I take weekly shots.