Thyroid nodule on scan?
Posted , 9 users are following.
I had a neck ultrasound on a Monday to check a lumpy thing like a boil on the back of neck. It had been there for years and never changed and was assumed a lymph node but got infected and swelled and I had neck swelling too.
I had the scan on the Monday afternoon and was told there were no lymph nodes, my lump was most likely a sebaceous cyst and my salivary glands were ok. (I had had stones there previius).
I thought it strange that she said my scan would be back with my gp in a day or two and the following day it was back with my gp.
I then received a letter on the Wednesday to make a non urgent appointment to see her and was given on just over a week later.
I went on Saturday and was told I had a thyroid nodule and they needed to do a fine needle aspiration biopsy. I had no idea tbh. I had neck pain previous assumed arthritis and swelling and my face often swells. I do feel really cold always and I suffer extreme anxiety and other symptoms but never related them to a thyroid problem.
When I read about thyroid nodules and thyroid disorders I would assume my symptoms would relate more to an underactive thyroid, not overactive.
Reading on there is something about hot nodules and cold nodules.I have no idea what mine is yet.
Does the biopsy hurt and do they numb it? How long does it take for the results or are they instant?
Thanks to anyone that can answer. My husband asked if it's possible it could be cancer and she said yes it could be unlikely. I really don't want the thyroid out.
Thanks
0 likes, 180 replies
jennifer66492 karenskip
Posted
Thank you Karen for taking your time to reply back to me. I saw my PCP last week after he examined me he sent for a thyroid ultrasound and a chest ultrasound. Results came back two days ago but I had to chase them to get my results. He finally called me today and said that my chest ultrasound came back ok (that I didnt need to worry, he didnt give me any details as he was in a rush to go back to his other patients but that he would explain next time he sees me). After his phone call I went back and looked at my pictures and for what I can tell I have had that slight lump for years (up to 4 years or more so I am guessing it shouldn't be anything serious when its been there for so long with no symptoms). BUT of course there is a but he wanted to see me (not urgent) in regards of my thyroid ultrasound. My thyroid has been slightly enlarged for as far as I can remember (I am 30 years old and its been that way since my teens). I had my second baby 11 months ago and he said that a lot of women develop thyroid problems after pregnanc. I am scared now, I just wish he wouldve told the results over the phone...and not torture me for 5 days now. BTW English is my second language, I am sorry for my grammar
karenskip jennifer66492
Posted
Lol. You grammar is fine. I failed my English anyway......
Maybe you have a nodule then or they want you to have blood tests for your thyroid which can be a cause of things like anxiety!!!
If you do have a nodule if you are in the uk they grade the ultrasound. If the grading warrants it then you have a biopsy. Mine warranted a biopsy as it's got features which could mean cancer but although I've had the they still cannot tell. I feel it's a bit drastic to take half my thyroid though so this is where we are at now. I'm already depressed and anxious atm awaiting some help. This has come at a bad time but I realise it maybe needs doing.
I waited ages after the doctors had my scan results back because they sat on them doing nothing and it was non urgent and it was only when the mdt got involved they sent me urgent. Mine has been going on since January to be honest which was when I went with my cyst/boil/node whatever it was. It's a long time to worry so I try to keep busy.
I am not well mentally though so it's difficult but it's not because of my thyroid. My thyroid bloods are all fine.
I hope you get to find out soon. I'm in a similar position at the moment waiting for the next step if there is one. It's horrible knowing they won't give things out over the phone. I've rang a few times and each time I'm told he'll be I touch if he needs to see me but they did tell me I'm not discharged.
jennifer66492 karenskip
Posted
Hi again, can't they do a second biopsy before they contemplate removing part of your thyroid? I know it's a drastic decision for you and it's never easy but if it was me I would remove it, I would rather take pills for the rest of my life then to have the possibility of developing thyroid cancer. No, Im in the US, thank god I have health insurance otherwise it wouldnt be pretty but things here move fast, this is a business so we dont have to wait months to have scans they want your money so they try to squeeze you in as fast as they can but the waiting even if it's minimal can sure drive you nuts. I dont know how you have been able to keep it together since January, I would have had a nervous break down by now. I had blood work done this morning, the results should be available by Tuesday, it's going to be another long weekend for me. I wish we both find out soon what's going on for our sakes lol
karenskip jennifer66492
Posted
Hi jennifer
I take it your bloods were your tsh?
They have done another biopsy but it's still not diagnostic so I had originally said about a core biopsy next. I am already at the moment depressed and anxious and it's nothing to do with my thyroid or the possibility of cancer even. I know that sounds strange but I've had quite a few cancer scares over my life time. And each one taken its toll and I don't really have any outside family to help and haven't got any close friends either. My husband works and does as best he can and my kids have their own lives. It would be tough to be honest.
Ive waited this long and hopefully it will come to a closure soon. I may go ahead with the op if the core biopsy is too risky as my nodule is so close to my carotid artery. Again that's scary enough.
I argued about there being an overdiagnosis of thyroid cancer as scans are more advanced now days and I had previous surgery 4 years ago that I ended up with a facial paralysis for a time due to stress they said. I got ramsay hunt. Also because doctors never referred me in time I also have an eye that will not close completely. I have little trust to be honest. I'll just have to wait now.
Try not to worry and let us know how get on.
Xx
jennifer66492 karenskip
Posted
karenskip jennifer66492
Posted
Hope they come back ok. I think I had them done. Don't know but I read sometimes with thyroid problems the tsh is not enough to diagnose certain problems,
I hope you can get through the weekend but I bet your children get you through with being "busy". Xx
Take care and let us know.
karenskip
Posted
Well today I've had to ring again and again told the consultant will be in touch. I don't know what the next step is if anything. My mental health has been a little better as I'm going to get into therapy again soon. My mental health is not to do with this though. This is added pressure and I just need to know naturally.
My heads just a but full and this is lurking there too and I just need to know. I've kept busy at home for months and the summer is a time when I can but now the dark nights are here I have more time to think and this is not something I want to think about needlessly if we are now leaving it be. I think the core biopsy may be the next step. Been reading again and as my nodule is solid and I've got two non diagnostic results there is still the same risk as before I would think. If it's cystic then they could continue to monitor but I hadn't realised that being solid makes a difference there. I will have the core if offered now. It will bring closure either way but it's scary because of how close it is to my carotid artery. I told my consultant I wanted sedation and he did say I could so let's hope he keeps to his word. I think I would flinch.
jennifer66492 karenskip
Posted
Therapy is going to help you immensely, if you can you should definitely go for it. I can't really afford it here in the US because most insurances won't cover those sessions and it's like $150 for one hour. You need closure, this is being haunting you for way too long. I know you mentioned you suffer from depression and this is not the cause of it, but it sure doesn't help your anxiety. Finally my doctor's appt is tomorrow, I am freaking out this is driving me insane specially since I learned this past Saturday that my husband who I thought adore me it's probably cheating on me with someone close to me. Now I gotta find someone to go with me to my doctor's appt tomorrow, I dont want to go by myself just in case the news arent good. Praying for both of us to get better.
karenskip jennifer66492
Posted
Good luck for tomorrow Jennifer. Maybe it's just your emotions taking over as regards your husband. It's at times like this when we need someone to trust too and our head does overtime.
I wouldn't want my husband with me if there was no trust. I've been to lots of appointments that haven't been good news alone and in fact it made me stronger but don't push your husband away if he wants to be there for you. You'll work things out I'm sure.
karenskip
Posted
And Jenny if it's any consolation, I had 3 cancer scares going on all at once and during these scares I was accused of having an affair although my husband said he didn't believe it. I was NOT but it put a huge wedge between us and I felt so alone at a time when really I needed him most. I cracked up tbh. Food for thought.
jennifer66492 karenskip
Posted
Hi Karen, thank you your words means a lot to me. I haven't told anyone about this, I dont want to, not until I am certain, my family is definitely not going to forgive him if they find out and nothing is going to be the same. I dont want them to hate him because if something happens to me I want my kids to be able to grow around my family as well. I have so much n my mind that I haven't cried or given much thought of him being with someone else. We have been together for 11 years and although it hasnt been perfect it sure has been worth it, I got two beautiful kids out it....but I dont know if I can forgive him if he really is having an affair. But for now thats not important, my health is, I want to see my kids grow into beautiful adults.
karenskip jennifer66492
Posted
You are right jenny. Your kids need you well.
My husband said he didn't believe the accusation of me having an affair but when I was young I admit I did in my first marriage and I think once a cheat always a cheat is how most think. I had my own reasons of course and didn't want my cake and eat it too if you understand. Anyway that accusation that was made came from friends and family. And what hurt most was he had to ask me in front of his family.
It was done at a time when I was at my lowest and I felt very alone. I could not ever believe that anyone believed me because of my past.
I never did find out why I was accused. I don't trust anyone really now. I think it was most probably a revenge thing thinking about it but if it was I feel it was the lowest anyone could stoop. My past was not revenge, it was really something I didn't plan. I never meant to hurt anyone but obviously I did but this thing when I had 3 cancer scares WAS revenge. It was planned and it was low.
Make sure you know before asking because you really should be together at this time. Being alone is scary. I wish you well jenny.
karenskip
Posted
One thing you say you have is that your family would stand by you. I hope someone of your family goes with you today. At least you are close. I'm not close to mine or his family. I don't trust either and can honestly say I never ever would.
I do trust my husband will stand by me whatever I decide but he is a man who would do the right thing. We've both not trusted each other due to the past. I admit mine and he did nothing wrong in his past and was hurt for nothing at all . He did know of my past though and chose to be with me but it took some building trust on both sides. When I was accused both families seem to have been involved and it was punishment at a time when we needed each other most. If that wasn't cruel what is. I've tried to trust them again but I simply can't . Myself and my husband are still together but it hurts that he had to ask me when I was accused. He should of known shouldn't he.
My cancer scares were
face, mouth cancer, breast cancer and ear (internal ) which I had extensive surgery for. I also ended up with facial paralysis after due to stress they said. Stress I was put under by all of them.
Like I say I feel like I have to live my life now being watched and judged and on my best behaviour , trying to prove myself. Like I need to say sorry all the time. Like a nothing I guess. My husband loves and needs his family. I have tried to get along with mine but cannot. I don't want to be around anyone that doesn't trust me wholly. And to do what they did when I had all the cancer scares KNOWING it too was just totally unforgivable. They set out to destroy me I think. Well I'm still here and I know they would do it all again if they could.
I hope your scare is just a scare jenny and good luck today.
jennifer66492 karenskip
Posted
karenskip jennifer66492
Posted
Have you got support to go with you jenny. I always went appointments alone but somethings happened to me mentally.
And yes, I shouldn't have to ask for forgiveness and neither should anyone else. I wanted so much for our families to get back on track and it was me who instigated things with mine when I was having my extensive surgery. I sent an email to my mother but I now realise that it was the wrong thing. Too much happened and there is no way back and no way forward either. Sad but life. And my husband always seemed lost without his family and he must of needed them also when I had my cancer scares before but I didn't want them in our lives. His mum does love him but he stood by me over something and it's torn him because it was his sister that told him I was having an affair. I wasn't though.
We had a mutual friend who had broken up in his marriage and we were told he was suicidal. We were there for him and yes we talked lots but it was a difficult time. I was trying to make him understand that sometimes before someone has an affair they can feel abandoned emotionally and disengaged. I was trying to get him to see from an adulteress point of view. Everyone needs someone emotionally. If men disengage (or women) then it's still a form of betrayal and apparently the worst form of betrayal. Disengagement. That was my reason for my affair in my first marriage. We didn't talk. We couldn't be there for each other even at times when we needed to be. My needs weren't being met emotionally. Selfish I know but everyone needs someone.
God jenny I'm giving you my life story at a time when you have enough on your plate already. I just say again, you will be OK because you have your family regardless and hope everything is fine today. Sorry I've waffled on to you.
karenskip jennifer66492
Posted
Wow jen ny, we've gone right off topic. That is part of why I haven't been around people. It's there and needs closure also. I have asked that our off topic posts be deleted. Don't know if they will. This is about my thyroid and not my screwed up mind lol.
Take care