U/S for thyroid

[stucem78]

I recently had an u/s done of my thyroid after a pressure in my lower throat continued to grow until it was daily until it always feels like I'm wearing a turtleneck.  It's uncomfortable and makes me gag.   The results read as follows: The right lobe measures 5.9 x 1.6 x 1.5 cm.  The left lobe measures 4.4 x 1.0 x 1.1 cm.  The isthmus measures 3 mm in thickness.  Within the right lobe, there are three small nodules.  The largest of these measure up to 8 MM in diameter.  It contains a course calcification.  There is a single hypoechoic nodule in the left thyroid lobe, measuring up to 2 mm in diameter.  Impression:  Bilateral small thyroid nodules.  None of these meet size  criteria to suggest biopsy.   I do see an endocrinologist as I have had a lot problems that seem like they would related to hypothyroidism but only off labs.  The endocrinologist didn't order this as I contacted my PCP as she didn't have any openings.  I saw the PA and he reported feeling fullness in my throat and sent me for the U/S.  The dr who he works with reviewed what the radiologist said and didn't feel the fullness was coming from my thyroid but anxiety or allergies.  Neither of those seem to be true as I have the fullness regardless of what I'm doing and can continue life pretty easily, even if it's uncomfortable  I'm also not allergic to ragweed, which she feels could be the culprit.  I'm just wondering if the problem could be my thyroid.  The right lobe seems larger than Dr. Lupo has suggested, in previous posts, as normal and that is where I feel the most pressure.  I don't see the endocrinologist for a month and want to figure it out if we will focus on the U/S findings or if I should push harder with my PCP for an appointment to explore other options. Thanks for your help in advance!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The right lobe length might be slightly high but the width and depth are normal, in this case I would not conclude that this represents a thyroid enlargement.  Common causes for similar symptoms of fullness could be postnasal drip from allergies, acid reflux or even potentially anxiety.  The nodules seem small and probably do not need further investigation at this time.Usually repeat ultrasound in 6-12 months to confirm stability .

[stucem78]

Thank you for your help with this.  Could acid reflux and post nasal drip just cause what feels like pressure in the front of my throat where my thyroid is?   Should my next step be to look at some sort of throat scope?  I have been taking Prilosec prior to this pressure showing up but maybe it's not enough.   I also switched from Zytec to Claritin as directed by my PCP and haven't noticed any change in the 3 days I've taken it though I'm sure it's too soon to tell.   I don't think it's anxiety.  I'm a mental health therapist and though, of course, we aren't immune to anxiety this doesn't seem to fit any typical pattern related to anxiety or panic disorder.  It happens all the time, even while I'm in session and not thinking about myself at all.  It interferes with the clothes I can wear (wearing a halter bathing suit that goes along side my neck makes me feel like I'm going to gag).  Again, that you for your help with figuring this out.