Jay!
I was really interested to read your posting...I'm a 29 y/o female and have hypothyroidism and have been having trouble swallowing for the last 4 months- so much so that I eat an almost all liquid diet now. My blood tests for TSH and T4 show that my thyroid levels are all over the place (low, then normal, then high) and I have been tired, cold, losing my hair and have a constant pressure in my head and side of my face. Recently, I have had some numbness around my lips and right side of my face. My GP has tried to give me anti depressants which is ridiculous and I have had to beg for a referral to an endocrinologist. I would be very interested to know how it has worked out for you and if anyone can offer any advice or insight...Thanks for your time!
The ultrasound is the only clear way to see a nodule (CT scan isn't as detailed). The ultrasound should be able to tell you if it is a solid mass, fluid, or "mixed" and whether or not it is "hot" or "cold". It *won't* be able to give you a "cancer" diagnosis but it can help you make more of an informed decision.
You can have your nodules biopsied but, my personal experience, my two sisters had biopsies that were "normal" yet still had thyroid cancer.
Talk to your doctor. *MOST* types of thyroid cancer are slow growing. As you know, breast cancer isn't. Prioritize. I have read other posts and seen medical literature stating there may be a link between breast cancer and thyroid cancer. If you have been working with an oncologist - talk to him/her.
Hang in there!
Just had a couple of questions. I had 4 nodules. I had an ultrasound done and was sent to an endocrinologist that said she did not think it was anything but we would keep an eye on them.I have no problems other than sometimes I feel like I have a knot in my throat. Would cancer show up on ultrasound? I dropped it and have not thought much more of it until reading your post. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer so I am concerned more now about these nodules.
I hate to tell you this but I had *NO* symptoms of my thyroid cancer. All labs were normal, no sore throat, no swelling . . . nothing. I had a "full body scan" done and the radiologist saw a small mass in my right lobe - told me I should follow it up with my doctor. My doctor was hesitant but ordered an ultrasound. The ultrasound shows a "mixed nodule" (solid and liquid). After extensive research and some long discussions with my doctor, I decided to be aggressive and take it out even though I was told there was a 99% chance it was nothing. Turned out to be papillary carcinoma (stage I).
A few months later one of my sisters had an x-ray that showed a small mass in her thyroid (she was having back problems - nothing to do with the thyroid). All of her labs were normal too but, because I had a cancer diagnosis, she had a thyroid biopsy - which was normal. Acting on a hunch, she had her thyroid removed anyway - and hers was also papillary carcinoma (stage II).
My three other sisters had their thyroids checked (one was diagnosed with Hashimoto's but the other two had normal labs). They all had small masses. Two out of three of them also had papillary carcinoma (the other one was "precancerous"). None of them had ANY symptoms
I had my 16 year old daughter and 12 year old son checked with ultrasounds - son was clear, daughter had two nodules. Hers was removed and was also "precancerous" - again, with no symptoms.
That's 4 with cancer, 2 "precancerous" and 1 fine -- all with papillary carcinoma (which is supposed to be NON-hereditary). Oh, and two endocrinologists said you can't have cancer and Hashimoto's (another medical theory trashed by my family).
So, basically, don't go off of symptoms - if you are concerned, talk to your doctor about an ultrasound. It's safe and non-invasive.
Bad news, you may never have symptoms. Good news, it's probably the easiest cancer to treat. Best news, it's not all that common.
Jay,
There is a member on this forum, Charlie, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and is now going through treatment. She would be a good person to obtain info from. You may try posting on the Thyroid forum.....
Good luck to you!
Debbie