Nodules - disappeared?

[Estied]

Hi everyone,

I have hyprothyroidism (5 years diagnosed 100mcg daily) and have had difficulty swallowing. Glands behind my left ear, left of my throat and tiny lymph node in left shoulder recess are swollen. Nothing on the right side.

Doctor sent me for a throat scan which showed two nodules to the REAR of my thyroid (can they appear hear?) one 3mm one 4mm.

He referred me to a Thyroid Cancer specialist who instrcuted a Barium Swallow XRay and FNA with guided ultrasound. I have not had the results of the Barium test yet.

So today was the day of my FNA. Different consultant gave me ultrasound and said there is nothing to biopsy. I asked if the nodules had disappeared and he said 'this is a different issue altogether and I wouldn't worry about it'. I asked him to elaborate to which he said 'I could go through the workings of the Thyroid all day, your consultant will explain when you see him.'

I was dazed and confused but waited outside of his office and asked him again to explain. He said that there is nothing to biopsy and again that there is a different issue nothing to worry about.

Has anyone else had any experience with the following

Nodules on the REAR of the Thyroid
Nodules which disappear after SIX weeks or so

I am now doubting if there were any nodules there in the first place or if the first technician picked up some other swollen glands. Swollen Parathyroid perhaps? I know its wrong to second guess but I've had six weeks of dreading the biopsy with fears of cancer in my head. Now I don't know where I am and not sure how hard to push. I guess I just wait to see the consultant but can't escape the feeling I'm being fobbed off.  :-(

My thyroid does look lumpy at the front to me, but no goitre not swollen. Doctor recently said I had gone Hypo and so tried to lower my dose from 100mcg to 75mcg but I felt lousy so its back to 100mcg

Recent TSH level 5.4 after being on 75mcg for two months. Now back on 100mcg not yet tested.

Other symptoms include night sweats, restlessness, broken nails, some hair loss, non-existent periods, forgetfulness, anxiety, lack of concentration, itchy skin. Still have difficulty swallowing and sometimes 'gets stuck' so that I cannot swallow. Then if I push from the left to the right it 'clicks' and I'm fine. Could be unrelated maybe?

Any advice as always welcome. I am in the UK.

[goolarra]

The treatment for Hashi's is no different from the treatment for hypo from any other cause.  However, since Hashi's is an autoimmune disease, and since once we have one AI, we are more likely to get a second, it can be important information.  Since AIs tend to "run in families", it can also be valuable information for your relatives.  Once you know you have Hashi's, you can rely on your thyroid becoming more and more dysfunctional and you know that nodules are expected.  

TSH of 5.4 is high and would indicate that you need an increase.  However, by itself, without FT3 and FT4, we don't have much to go on.  

[Estied]

Hi thanks for responding, it is useful to know that nodules disappearing are not impossible.

I wondered about Hashi's I've obviously been researching as much as I can and all of my symptoms seem to stack up. But then I am already taking Thyroxine supplements, so I cannot see that the treatment is any different for Hashi's

I had a full TSH blood test just before Christmas at my GP's but I forgot to ask for the results. The TSH level of 5.4 is the result of a recent (but not as thorough) medical through my employer.

It did show my calcium as 2.32 mmol/L (2.10-2.55) so that looks normal. My Creatinine was just above normal at 81 umol/L (44-80) and my cholesterol is up. Hence why the medical recommends my thyroxine be increased.

I will try to get a hold of my recent full test and post. I've also heard from the Hospital today who say that the Consultants Secretary is going to give me a call to answer my questions on yesterdays scan. I've made a note of Hashi's and will ask about that too - if she or he ever rings!

thanks again

[goolarra]

I'm no expert on imaging, so I'll let someone else comment on the technical aspects of your ultrasound and (almost) FNA.  However, from personal experience, I can tell you that nodules do come and go.  In November, at my regular appointment with my endo, he felt a prominent nodule and ordered an U/S.  I decided to put it off for a couple of months, so I scheduled the U/S for early last month (approximately six weeks after my appointment).  The nodule was gone.  Was it there to begin with?  I don't know, either.  "I" could never feel it.  Also, typically, nodules less than 10 mm are usually just watched for changes.

Do you know if you have Hashi's?  Nodules are the rule, rather than the exception, with Hashi's.  

Do you have the results of any other thyroid tests besides TSH?  If so, please post them with reference ranges.