First timer feeling lost

[Ladydhernandez]

Hello all..I'm hoping to tap into your knowledge and experience re: this super world of thyroids..here goes. my GYN was the Dr. who physically saw and then found something via touch. was sent for ultrasound and findings were : multiple nodules....two largest in right lobe 2.4cm and 2.9cm.on left side largest is 8mm Suggestive of multinodular goiter scan recommended..scan done only stated no focal hot or cold nodules...Dr. Did biopsy..description was moderately cellular , showing sheets and clusters of follicular cells, few scattered lymphoid cells, some macrophages and colloid background blood present. Why only biopsy lower right which is 3cm and not left smaller 8mm or even upper 2.4 cm nodule? Or do they only go after the largest? I feel no wiser after all of these findings. To be honest I'm not more baffled now. See Dr. Soon any specific questions I should ask? Oh yes labs are normal

[Barb135]

Hashimoto's is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the developed world.  Many of us have it, along with nodules and don't have to have thyroid removed.  It's when the characteristics of the nodules are different, that surgery may be indicated.

If you don't feel comfortable with the diagnosis you've been given, by all means, get a second opinion.

When do you see the doctor for the full explanation of your situation?

[Ladydhernandez]

blood work was for TPOab and vitamin D which was 19 low range is 30 -100 I did hear Dr. he was dictating notes .. I do believe I heard the term  Hashimotos..  but he didn"t address me. I'll check into that and testing for TGab..  I did some reading on this sight with all my noramal labs and benign results..should I get a second opinion? It seems all is well so medicine shouldnt be needed right?. To think of surgery is hard to imagine when I'm not able to get a clear understanding. It"s like having exploritory surgery .. not able to rap my head around it.  

[Barb135]

Many people have nodules on their thyroid; for most of us, it's nothing to worry about.

Are the T3 and T4 tests for total or Free?  They appear to be total, which unfortunately, are considered to be obsolete and of little value.  While your T4 is quite low in its range, your T3 is a little more than mid range, which is not bad for someone not on thyroid medication.  

You should also have a Thyroglobulin Antibody (TGab).  It takes both Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and TGab to diagnose Hashimoto's, since some people have only TPOab, others have only TGab and still others have both.  Even though your TPOab is negative, you might still have TGab.

[Ladydhernandez]

T3 - 137 range 76-181   T4 - 6.8  range 4.5 - 12.0. TSH 1.96 range 0.40 - 4.50. ..per oxidase antibodies <10. Range <35 all are in normal range..so why the nodules? No family history that I know of. I clear my throat a lot thought it was allergies. Very much aware of the thickness in throat. Food gets stuck in throat often ..my swallowing is differcult at times.

[Barb135]

Most nodules aren't biopsied until they reach at least 2 cm.  Apparently, they felt that by biopsying the largest of the nodules, they would get a representative sample.  

Which labs are "normal"?  Please post whatever thyroid test results you have and be sure to include reference ranges, since ranges vary lab to lab and have to be posted with results.  

Have you had thyroid antibody tests?