thyroid cancer / GERD

[StressedinSC]

I have a lump in my throat, it has been there for almost a year. My ENT says it is nothing and that the pain is related to GERD. I am worried it is my thyroid, I have all the symptoms of thyroid cancer (weight gain, pain, difficulty swallowing, etc) and am not sure what to do. He has done 2 scopes, and just sees redness. What should I do????

[Barb135]

The symptoms you described are not those for thyroid cancer (usually doesn't have symptoms), but for hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) - 2 separate conditions.  

Ask you doctor to order thyroid function tests.  Those are TSH, Free T3 and Free T4.  Those tests will tell you whether your thyroid is functioning properly.  You should also ask for thyroid antibody tests to confirm/rule out Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  

I would agree with the ENT that your throat symptoms are those of GERD, which is another symptom of hypothyroidism.  I had them (and GERD) for years, so I'm very familiar with them.

[dclee81]

Thyroid cancer they can't see with a scope.  They have to do a ultra sound on the neck to find any nodules.  then a biopsy.  I would get a second opinion.  or ask him for a scan on the neck.