Need Opinions Please

[Awatson13]

Dr. Lupo or anyone else who can offer some help,


     On January 5th of this year my mom (who is a nurse) noticed that my thyroid was slightly enlarged. A few weeks before this I had started to notice that I was growing fatigued. I'm usually a "get up and go" person, but felt sluggish and lethargic. I also was having trouble concentrating in school and at work. I made an appt with my PCP and he agreed about the enlarged thyroid. He ran some bloodwork on the 9th and found the following:

TSH: 1.44 uIU/mL
TPO: 55.1 IU/mL
Thyroglobulin AB: <1.8 IU/mL
Thyroglobulin Tumor: 32.0 ng/mL
Thyroxine: 12.0 ug/mL

I also had an ultrasound that found that I have "multinodular gland with dominant nodules in the right and left lobes...no larger than 4mm. An Ovoid mass (7.6x16.8x4.9mm) lateral to the thyroid and anterior to the carotid artery." I found out that my aunt and possibly my great-grandmother had Hashimoto's (my aunt also has Lupus and Diabetes). My new endocrinologist says I have Hashimoto's, but should just leave it alone as of now. I'm concerned because I am in my last year of college and I am in the hopes of going to medical school, but with me being so tired and with my concentration being below normal I don't know what to think. I have an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist next month to check the lymph node out. How do you feel about treating Hashimoto's when the TSH comes back within the normal range, should I be concerned about thyroid cancer at the age of 22 and is there a link between Hashimoto's and other autoimmune disease's? Thank you for your help!

[stella5349]

I understand

Good Luck

[Awatson13]

I'm going next week for a FNA at an ENT doctor. Most of these questions I would have asked my endo if she didn't leave the room and not come back. Thank you.

[stella5349]

QUESTION #1  - How do you feel about treating Hashimoto's when the TSH comes back within the normal range?

I think it could be looked at as an option - but not sure if it will help you. Hashimoto is a tough thing to manage when an attack of antibodies is going on.

QUESTION #2 - should I be concerned about thyroid cancer at the age of 22?

I think you should have more testing on your situation - but I don't think you need to consume your thoughts over it.  

QUESTION #3 - and is there a link between Hashimoto's and other autoimmune disease's?

Autoimmune diseases run in packs of three for many people. I think your aunt is in that situation. If you have thyroid disease that runs in your family most specialists will look into that and warrant special tests to rule out or confirm that for you.

As anyone suggested an FNA on the nodules or mass yet?