I have a 1.7 cm thyroid nodule

[LindaSueBob]

I hope I have posted this correctly. I am not sure what goes in the title, my name or my problem. January 9th I had an mri for disc problems and they found three levels of bulging discs plus a suprise of a 1.7 cm thyroid nodule. I was sent for blood tests on January 16th and still do not have the results back says the doctors office. How long do the T whatever tests take does anyone know. Is there a long period of time before results are back in. The lab is just up the street. Also does anyone think I need a biopsy? I have read that 1.5 cm or more really needs a biopsy. I am totally lost in this an know nothing except what I can find on the internet. I had previous neck surgery on C level in 2000 which resulted in my voice totally changing and lost my voice for two months. All I read says if you have had previous throat surgery it is going to totally change your voice. I freak at that now. Any help appreciated. Thanks, when I call Dr office they just say they have no news yet. LindaSueBob

[LindaSueBob]

Hi there, yes it makes me wonder. Each day I can see a little more swelling. I am going out of state Sat until Monday. I am worried I will have this huge neck waking up Sun morning and not being able to breathe or something. Plus I am worried it is going to hurt to have a biopsy. Can anyone tell me how it is done and how long it takes. I am assuming I can drive there and back okay, no pain meds to make me tired etc. Tks. LindaSueBob

[utahmomma]

Hope they don't misplace your biopsy.  Geez - makes you wonder, doesn't it.

[LindaSueBob]

Well you won't believe this. My blood tests were January 16 (3 vials). My Dr called me today and said I have to have them redone as the place that took the blood. (in our local hospital) lost them. Hello, today is the 29th, a whole 13 days later and they just now tell her that. What a strange hospital that is, what if it was hiv tainted and was broken somewhere?? Anyway now my throat is swollen on the outside (don't know if it is inside as well) and you can so see swelling. My voice has been changing for the last week and I clear my throat all the time. Yikes--Now I have to wait again and can't go for more blood tests until 630 tonight when I can get there. They aren't going to do the biopsy until the blood tests are in. Strange as it was 1.7 cm and I know it is bigger now. Oh well, gotta wait I guess. Thanks for your help. Linda

[LindaSueBob]

I am getting a call tomorrow from the Dr when my thyroid biopsy is. I am a little calmer now about it after reading all the info in these forums. I found the forum by mistake and it is a life saver. Is there freezing done before this needle goes in? Is is real painful? Does it take a long time? Anyone know? Tks. LindaSueBob

[LindaSueBob]

Okay I feel better about it now. I was freaking about the cancer stuff and also about maybe losing my voice. I have a stand in to yell at my husband if I do lose it. haha.
I am calling Monday, there is no way tests should take that long, the thyroid blood tests. Also Jan 11 I was to be referred to a neurosugreon for my three bulging disc levels and nothing yet. This Dr office is just great, but there has been a staff turnabout and it seems they are all lazy or have no idea how to proceed when they get test results. I asked for my xray results to be faxed to my house and received the MRI results instead alarming me by the nodule findings, I knew before the Dr did. Thanks a bunch. I will keep posting how it is going. Thanks for your help, I was lost. I have had four surgeries resulting from a slip fall in a grocery store puddle of milk. Hip, foot, cervical and back so it was no picnic and I sure don't want any more surgeries. Thanks for the help. Linda

[choirgirl]

I'd start with the ultrasound.  It's really simple and easy to do and will give your endo (find a good one) a place to start.  Then, if a FNA biopsy is needed, they'll do that next, then surgery as the final of the three stages if needed.  As for your voice,  I am a voice teacher with a TT (total thyroidectomy) done on December 20th.  I was REALLY concerned about it and learned as much as I could about it.  I was depressed to find out that it would take 2 months to a year to get my singing voice back.  I recommend discussing it with your surgeon (IF YOU NEED ONE).  I had a fabulous surgeon and I hit high C's last week - only 1 month post surgery.  No one listening to me talk can even tell that I've had surgery.  I can tell that my singing voice is healing and healing fast - but my surgeon was extremely careful about it - so shop around for a great surgeon with lots of experience, it makes a world of difference.  No worries - you may not even have to have surgery as so many are benign.  Just take it one day at a time and don't borrow trouble.  There is hope here at the forum.  These ladies are awesome!

[ozlem64]

Yes, I firstly had an ultrasound too because my glands were swollen and I had difficulty swallowing and choking sensation. Doc ordered ultrasound and biopsy. The biopsy was 22/1/08 and I got the result on 25/1/08 - then again, this is Australia. I don't know how things run in the US. Mine were just swollen thyroid glands which resulted in the production of a nodule.

I found out later that excessive yelling and shouting can cause thyroid cysts/nodules to suddenly appear. - FUNNY ISN"T IT!

As for the tests taking so long, I would be pushy and keep asking about the results. After all, this is YOUR body!

Don't worry. I'm sure the nodule is BENIGN!

[chigirl29]

Redhed is right--I had ultrasounds first because the least invasive answer is the best option for me. They can determine if you need a drain or a biopsy.

Don't freak out--I did--but it gets better.  Your voice should not be affected by this procedure, and I completely understand your concerns.

My whole thyroid gland kept swelling because it was inflamed--my voice changed to a real sexy voice--now I have my old squeaky voice back--no fun:)

[utahmomma]

Redhed is right - get an ultrasound.  It will give a lot more information about the nodule then lead to further action (scans or biopsy) or "wait and see".  Try not to panic - like they have said 90-95% of these are benign!

[redhed87]

I would first get a sonogram of the nodule.  My mom had some that were cysts and had them drained.  If is it solid, I would have it biopsied.  I had a 2.5cm nodule that was cancer, but had totally normal bloodwork. So don't go by bloodwork alone. I would find a good endocrinologist that deals with thyroid disorders/cancer.  Some only do diabetes or infertility issues.  Don't be scared, like ras48 said, most are not cancer.  Good luck.

[ras48]

First of all do not go into a panic. The bigest percentage of thyroid nodule are not cancer. If a biopsy is needed, they are done with a needle with a local numbing first. The report will probable take about a week to come back. The lab test should not take quite that long, but that will depend on the lab and your Dr's office. I strongly sugest you get a referal to an eno who specilizes in thyroid problems.I had a tolal thyroidectomy in November. There were several nodules present and were causing some discomfort. Since my younger sister had thyroid cancer a year ago we decided no not wait After my biopsy was not conclusive. I have had several other surgerys and I must say this one was not one of the worst. You are concerned about you voice, mine has been affected but after surgery it was just a little week then I suffered a severe respitory infection and one day on my job I had to get very loud for a little while. It has been 2 months and only those very close to me can tell that is is slightly differant. In short I've been through worse and it sounds as though you have too. The people on this site are pretty good about sharing with you and helping you understand lab results. Hang in there and we will keep you in prayer....  Regina