Lump in throat, normal TSH and T4

[Cindirelly]

I have been experiencing a variety of symptoms increasingly over the past two months including pronounced fatigue, constipation, cough and intermittent sore throat along with ear and jaw pain, swelling around my eyes each morning, a 10-pound weight gain in 30 days, charlie horses, and a marked mental fog and forgetfulness. Several days ago I began feeling a lump in my throat when I swallow that feels as if food gets caught on it. It is painful to swallow, though that pain seems to be worse then less noticeable then worse again over the course of the day, and is most noticeable when I swallow anything firm.

There is no noticeable lump on the outside of my neck, but the area of my thyroid feels slightly tender to the touch.

I saw my GP yesterday and had blood work done - he suspected Hashimoto's. But today I learned that my blood work came back normal -- TSH of .59 and T4 of 1.06. I forgot to ask about antibodies, but I presume that was normal as well because the nurse did not mention the presence of them. The Dr. calls the test inconclusive and has ordered an ultrasound - but I have to wait a week for it.

My question is how closely my profile fits that of thyroid cancer, and how likely it is for me to be so symptomatic of hypothyroidism with such normal TSH and T4. I have not noticed symptoms of hyperthyroidism that people sometimes experience with Hashimoto's.

I would be grateful for any insight...

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The labs are normal.
Hypothyroid symptoms are very nonspecific and the TSH of 0.59 does not suggest thyroid underactivity; even if antibodies are abnormal, medication would not be indicated. Observation only would be the correct route.
Labs do not predict cancer - any abnormality on ultrasound would be pursued even if there is not a medical (lab) thyroid issue.

[Skchesley]

Dont let him ho by bld test alone glad there is followup ultrasound at least. I would request second opinion of specialist endocronologist for sure if yourGP cannot find anything on ultrasound. Doesnt mean cancer, other bd trsts could be done as well.
Columbiathyroidcenter dot org is great sitr for all the descriptions of thyroid issues, tests that  should be done etc. good luck and take care! Be your best self advocate you know how you feel and what feels right and wrong. Dont settle.