Is it possible to have inner ear pain from thyroid nodules?

[julie383]

I just found out 2 weeks ago that I have a nodule that is 2cm along with several others on my thyroid. I have always had a large thyroid but in the past nothing was ever found. For the past few years I have had pain in my left ear and was wondering if this could be contributing to it. Some days the pain will almost be non-existent and then other days it is awful. The doctor looked in my ear and said I have trapped fluid inside but how can this be a constant problem? Doesn't the fluid eventually dry up? Is this even a possible problem from the thryoid nodules I have? Thank you.

[stella5349]

If a nodule comes back suspecious off an FNA then most like in the best interest of the patient any qualified doctor will suggest surgery immediately.

They do not like to take their time with even the thought of it "might " be being cancer.

Messing around - getting a second opinion on FNA "suspecious" results can be costly - confuse the issues more - and in the end be a delay in correct treatment, as bluestar mom understands entirely.

If you are not going to look for alternatives which a few things are still done,  then moving forward swiftly on treament or surgery is best.

The clock stops for no one and you have to have faith in what you are told at times to perserve your health and wellness.

Contant second guessing can in the end cost you everything.  

Please keep in mind that each step after an FNA is very important - we will be here to answer as much as possible. Can you make sure you can get a copy of the actual FNA report? and also if you can post your last report from the ultra sounds on the board here too.

That really helps alot.

[bluestarmom187]

Yes. The nodules can grow. Your doctor sounds like he already has an idea of what the FNA will come back. If it comes back as anything other then benign then surgery will be on the schedule. Thats the part that I did not agree with. If you get a suspicious result they want surgery. I had my FNA sent out for a second opinion.

[julie383]

I went for the FNA yesterday and the surgeon told me I have 2- 2cm nodules, and one that is a little smaller than that, on my right side. He is telling me that I need to have a total thyroidectomy unless the biopsy comes back completely and without any doubt that it is benign. He is concerned with the hoarseness that I have been having...I guess as of late I have just been becoming used to it! My question is, if it comes back completely benign...what are other options for me as far as it goes for taking care of these? I questioned him about taking meds to shrink the nodules but he said that it is not recommended, but was done many years ago.Is there any possibility that the nodules could grow even more?

[julie383]

My original MD sent me for another ultrasound, and they found the nodules again. I now am being scheduled for a biopsy..so I guess I will just see what happens after that point!

[skeeterknitwit]

I have had a lot of ear and jaw pain with my thyroid.  My labs were way off.
Aleve reduces inflamation.  It helped mine.  So did antitithyroid rx. But you can't get that rx with normal labs.

Three years ago I had a double middle ear infection.  Antibiotics resolved the infection, but fluid in my ears was still very painful.  The PA told me my eardrums would rupture any time and that would make it feel better.  I found that very unacceptable!!  I went for accupuncture treatment. 2 visits cured it for three years until this thyroid thing.  Accupuncture did not help for my ear pain with thyroid issues.

You could try accupressure to get the fluid to drain.  It would drain through your eustation tubes into the back of your throat.  And tastes nasty!  

[julie383]

I finally had the thyroid scan completed. Originally on the ultrasound it showed one growth of 2 cm and several other smaller ones. When the radiologist read the scan he said he saw no nodules but an increased iodine uptake that he thinks is consistent with goiter. My dr contacted me and has arranged for me to go the imaging center so I can do more imaging to see if there is in fact nodules there or not. Has this happened to anyone? Still having ear pain...have been checked and it's nothing wrong inside my ears! This is getting very confusing.