Posted , 3 users are following.
On ultra sound scan they found one nodule
Does nuclear medicine scan mean they suspect thyroid cancer or is it routine ?
Any advice appreciated please
0 likes, 10 replies
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Guest judyteen
Posted
It is routine and will help your doctors determine if the nodule in question is a 'hot nodule' (showing increased thyroid activity) or a 'cold nodule' (low thyroid activity).
You will be given a small amount of radioactive iodine tracer. The tracer will be concentrated in your thyroid and can be picked up by a specialised camera. Areas with high activity will absorb more of the radioactive tracer.
Cold nodule are more likely to be cancerous compared to hot nodules. However, cold nodule can be benign or malign. The definitve diagnosis of thyroid cancer usually involves a biopsy. For that a small amount of tissue is removed from the suspect nodule and examined.
judyteen Guest
Posted
Now I will hope it is a hot nodule
JayValle judyteen
Posted
Got the results of my uptake scan. I have 5 nodules, which I knew from Ultrasound. 1 is hot and is causing the suppression of my TSH. I know how you feel about being nervous. When I first found mine over 10 yrs ago and had a biopsy I was a nervous wreck waiting for results. Nodules are common and almost always not a problem. Please try not to worry. Let us know how you make out. :-)
beryl38883 judyteen
Posted
judyteen beryl38883
Posted
Let me know what happens
All the best
JayValle judyteen
Posted
Ho Judy
I've had nodules for years. Annual ultrasounds and several needle biopsies. I'll be having the nuclear scan tomorrow and Tuesday as my TSH is way low. When I had my last biopsy I asked the radiologist if I had hot or cold nodules. (I have 5 - 2 large and 3 smaller but all stable) I think he said cold which I don't know how he knew from the ultrasounds, but he seemed to be an excellent doctor. All biopsies were normal/negative. I'm very apprehensive about the scan tomorrow. My PCP suspects either toxic nodules or graves. I'm praying for toxic nodules which I'd then have removed.
Good luck to you. Please keep in touch. I'll post my results too.
judyteen JayValle
Posted
You have been through a lot and hope all goes well
I have already been offered surgery or RAI to remove the nodule before the scan takes place! I have read that single nodules are more likely to cause problems than several nodules
I am trying to keep calm meanwhile
JayValle judyteen
Posted
Hi Judy
Thank you :-) Second scan done this morning. Should have results tomorrow. I've been researching surgery in case I need the nodules removed. Mt. Sinai in Manhattan does the surgery as out patient with local and sedation. I can't do anesthesia so I'd need to do it that way.
When are are you getting the scan? I hope they don't jump the gun with you because when I first got my nodules they didn't mention surgery or an uptake. This is something I've just been hearing about.
Keeping calm is the best way. Stress will just aggravate our thyroids. I believe that's what cause my current thyroid issues, being under constant trauma and stress for 2 yrs with husband's illness and passing and then my ongoing health issues.
I'll be seeing a naturopath before I do anything though. But I have an Endo appt for 1/5/17. I hate everything being up in the air but I'm trying to put it in the back of my mind.
Keep in touch. Be well :-)
hugs
J
judyteen JayValle
Posted
Hi Jay
I hope your scan results are good. I guess if they do not suggest surgery that they do not think the nodules are suspicious. Apparently lots of people have nodules on the thyroid which cause no problem at all
I am in the UK so we wait for an appointment under the free NHS care. There is a special clause that if cancer is suspected you must be seen within 2 weeks
I lost my husband too and maybe have spent years trying to suppress my feelings to 'get on with life' and this is why I am ill now. It was at a time I was physically fit as well. But that is just what happens and you just have to face up to it
Good to share my story with you as you have been through the same and very difficult journey
Please keep in touch
JudyTeen
JayValle judyteen
Posted
Hi Judy
My thyroid uptake scan came back normal. My doctor suspected my TSH was 0.004 because of a hot nodule, which it probably is as the uptake showed the nodule took the iodine. It said 1 hot and no cold nodules found. I'm not sure if cold nodules do or don't show up on an uptake because I thought I had more. Anyway - I have to see the endo in January. There is a long wait here as well to see a specialist.
I'm sorry for your loss. I too tried to get on with life but the grief has to come out some way - and in our case probably the thyroid.
Thyroid nodules are very common and usually cause no problem. Very rarely are they cancer. Did your doctor say anything else to you about treatment? Did you have an uptake scan yet?
I was put on armour thyroid for suppression therapy by an ENT. I should not have been put on the armor from what I understand now. I feel pretty good so I'm not going to do anything at this point. I bought L-carnitine and bugleweed but may only try L-carnitine to see if it helps bring my TSH back up. I read some negative things about bugleweed that surprised me. Like it's difficult to get off and maybe gives you symptoms. But then others say it's fine and does help. I guess it's an individual experience.
Please let us know how you're feeling and if you're treating, etc.
hugs
J