Thyroid Ultrasound Results : (

[artsyamerican]

Well...about 10 or so months ago an ultrasound of my thyroid showed a few nodules.  I was supposed to follow up and did so this month because I finally met my astronomical "share of cost."  Well the results today were not all that great and Im really trying hard not to freak out.  The ultrasounds showed more nodules and this time it mentioned hypoechoic lesions and calcification in the right lobe.  I got in to see my PCP today and he has ordered a Nuclear Scan this time.  I asked if I should be worried and he said nahhh..it's very rare to find cancerous nodules in the thyroid he said they are usually just benign cysts.  Was he just trying to spare me any worry??? Anyone have experience with this?

[susan]

I have some experience:)

Diagnosed many years ago with multiple-nodular goiter related to T3 hyperthyroidism. Has been monitored since.

The endo explained that nodular thyroids often stay benign. I don't know what often means!

My thyroid has grown slowly, was treated with radioactive iodine to control the excess T3.

I am having a thyroidectomy soon as the thyroid is compressing the trachea---it grew kind of laterally & retro.

Anyway, mine has remained benign for 20 some years. My daughter has a nodular thyroid, too, but she remains euthyroid.

I hope this reassures you a little:) & I wish you the best!

[Piebird]

I have heard these things are usually benign so try not to worry.

Sending you hugs.

[Nymph]

Let us know what happens. I went in for my thyroid ultrasound today. One nodule. I have hyper symptoms occasionally but who knows? It will probably be wait-and-see. My dad has a number of nodules and all of his have been a-ok although he did need a biopsy. Apparently the biopsy is no big deal. I hope that yours are the same.

[artsyamerican]

Thank you for your positive feedback guys.  I need to convince myself that I am with the majority and everything will be fine. But I usually see Zebras instead of Ponies so I don't know if I'll have much luck.  My doc mentioned something about hot and cold nodules...and if something happens they'll do a biopsy.  I've had a bone marrow biopsy -wide awake...so hopefully I will be able to hack a thyroid biopsy!!

[Iris]

My sister had nodules on one side of her thyroid that kept getting bigger.. They did a biopsy and it was benign..  But she went ahead and had it removed because it was interfering with swallowing..

I'm sure yours will be just fine too.. I'll keep you in my prayers.. 

[Piebird]

I think it is normal for us to jump to seeing zebras. We are zebras.

My GP has apologized to me many times for thinking I was nuts when I fist came in will all these symptoms. He was use to seeing ponies and there I was saying I am a zebra. I'm just happy he finally saw my stripes.

[Patze]

Yep, I'm another one with multi-nodules and had a lovely goiter to boot (which the GP ignored for almost a year because my TSH numbers were "within normal limits"  ).  Had needle aspirations done and there was no cancer, but they found that I do have Hashimoto's (blood work has negative for it).

I'm glad to hear that your doctor is not ignoring them..will he be referring you to an endo by chance?

Hang in there now....


Patze

[artsyamerican]

Yes...my TSH numbers are normal and always have been.  I've had a goiter for years and didn't think it was an issue because multiple docs have just said - "oh you have a goiter" like saying oh you have an elbow.  A year or so ago I started having this heavy feeling in my neck and pain would radiate from behind my earlobe down my neck.  So my PCP at the time ordered a scan of my thyroid.  They found nodules but my PCP was pretty laissez faire about it. Told me we'll just keep an eye on it.  Then i went out on disability - no health insurance errrrr - and put off having the follow up longer than I should have.  So of course now, after this follow - up,  i have convinced myself I not only have thyroid cancer because I waited too long - but it is probably in my lymph nodes and lungs as well.  Lord - why can't I be more mature about things like this!!

[aussie mum]

Ah, Zebra's, my GP uses that term too, it took a while for him to realise that my family is a herd of zebras.

Me with Thyroid issues and a normal TSH; daughter with SjS, now Lupus, Insulin resistance, heart & thyroid issues; and my husband with a previous Melanoma, Barrett's esophagus and now Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia. Yes, we too are zebra's. Ah but I digress.

I had this "feeling" that something was wrong with my thyroid but my TSH was always normal so my GP said all was well. I was gaining weight, had low energy, cracked heals etc but after a few quite scary choking incidents, I asked my GP to feel my Thyroid. He noticed nodules and sent me for an ultrasound. I had a multi nodule goiter with the biggest on one side measuring 5cm x 2.5cm  and on the other side 2.5cm x 2.5cm. I felt vindicated. While I cant recall all the Technical terms in the results, I also had calcification in the biggest nodule.

I was referred straight to a Thyroid surgeon for an opinion. I did not have the hot/cold nodule test, he sent me straight for the fine needle biopsy. This is done with an ultrasound, so they can be sure they get the right place. They took 4 samples from each side. It wasn't painful, no worse than a blood test, I'm not sure if I had a local anesthetic. I just stayed as still as I could, imagining I was on a beautiful beach somewhere. 

The results came back benign on the smaller nodule but the bigger one had suspicious cells so in the end I decided on a Total Thyroidectomy. Yet again, I can't remember all the technical terms, but the most important thing was that my Thyroid was pre-cancerous. Pre being the most important word.   

Please don't panic about your ultrasound results. I feel my problems had been ignored for at least 5 years and despite opting for surgery, ultimately I was ok. Your Doctors are all looking after you now and the odds are in your favour that all will be ok.

Take Care,
Aussie Mum

[artsyamerican]

Thank you!! Your post actually made me laugh out loud! A herd of zebras eh?? Too funny.  Thank you for your very detailed and reassuring post!!! The more info I get from people who have been in my shoes the less tense I feel.  I am especially relieved that my delay should not be a big issue.   

[aussie mum]

I just googled the collective noun for Zebra's. Thankfully herd is there, but another is a "Dazzle"

Confirmation that we are all Dazzling !

Have a good weekend