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1.5cm complex nodule with several other nodules on thyroid.

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julie1066
julie1066

Hi folks, I have hypothyroidism and for some time have felt this presence deep in my throat, sometimes it aches and it's Definitely hard to swallow dry foods. My doctor sent me for a scan where these nodules were discovered and they attempted a biopsy.this proved awkward as the larger nodule is beside the carotid vein. However the scan results were sent to the doctor who has made an urgent referral to surgical. The biopsy results aren't back yet. Anyone know what I should expect.am I possibly looking at cancer/ surgery?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • a60526
    a60526 julie1066

    Posted

    Julie,

    Both my daughter and sister had such large thyroid tumor that you could see it externally.  Both of their tumors were cancer free and they are doing great.  That being said, after working in surgical services for 35 years, everyone always says if you have to get cancer, thyroid cancer is the best. Because it is so easy to cure.  That doesn't mean you don't move quickly on your doctors instructions But not as scary as some.

    i currently have 5 nodules under 1 cm. so I get ultrasounds to watch them. I'm told if they don't grow much they are probably fine.  Years ago I had a larger one biopsied and it was fine.  Hope this helps!  I know waiting is always hard. 

    • julie1066
      julie1066 a60526

      Posted

      The sensible side of me says it's more than likely nothing but the speed of the surgical referral on the ultrasound findings without waiting for the biopsy results in sending warning bells. Thanks so much for the reassurance, chances are this is nothing more than an inconvenience though I'd love to understand why I have such discomfort swallowing. My thyroid is small, tho the nodule is 1.5 cm beside my corotid vein, so I don't understand the logistics and if it's possible to be the nodule causing the discomfort.
  • shellyC19
    shellyC19 julie1066

    Posted

    Hello Julie:

    My name is Shelly and I am an RN  in the USA.  I have Hashimoto's thyroid disease and 3 nodules under 1 inch, that are not cancerous.

    When it comes to nodules, size matters.  Large ones make trouble by causing more pressure on the throat. Some are made of dense thyroid tissue and some can have serous, (blood and cellular)  fluid in them.  Some swell with this fluid in the middle and can be more cyst like and doughy or soft. Some people have a family history of making cysts or growths, and some come from infections and old tissue that the body did not absorb up.

    Most nodules are not cancerous but because they can press on the throat and cause difficulty in eating or breathing they may want to remove the lobe they are on. This would be a partial thyroidectomy.  Sometimes if the biopsy shows suspicious cells it is best to remove them.

    So maybe the location alone is a reason to refer you to a surgeon because of the difficulty you are having and on the Ultrasound they can tell the size and shape and see where it is on your thyroid.  Sadly, we do not have a lot of room for nodules to be in there unless very small.

    If you have surgery expect a cut at the base of the neck and depending which lobe it is on, they will remove it and send it off for a pathology report. You may need to be in the hospital for a while to make sure you are able to swallow and eat.  If your TSH goes up, your meds may be increased.

    Keep us posted on how you do,

    Shelly

    • julie1066
      julie1066 shellyC19

      Posted

      Hi Shelly, thank you for the reply, I will certainly keep you posted. Hopefully I get to see the surgeon soon. I am having so many dizzy periods now too and don't know if it's related. Blood pressure was checked and is 110/65 so low, but not badly low. Thanks for taking the time to reply .
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