Is further testing necessary if I have several nodules on my thyroid?

[UCIAMYY4U]

My test last week revealed several nodules on both sides of my thyroid, there was also at least one cyst, I assume that the word several meant more than they wanted to count. Is it necessary to wait for the nuclear scan and CT scan when in my opinion my thyroid is shot and will most likely be removed anyhow? I think they should just get the dammed thing out and biopsy it then. The sooner I am on T3 & T4 therapy the sooner I will start feeling better.  It is apparently not going to get better so why should I suffer for six weeks getting off the synthroid and waiting for the radiation scan?

I have also been very dizzy most the time and getting sounds in my head that do not come from my hearing according the my ENT. The sound is something kind of synthetic created by my brain maybe from pressure changes but not heart beats or blood flow. I relax all the time because my energy and metabolism is so low from thyroid problems. It sounds like a razor sharpening on an emery cloth a swish swish. Sometimes the sounds remind me of cicadas. I was told they are doing a  CT scan of my thyroid and I think they should take a look at my brain also to be safe.

[JLWH]

Just a note here on the sounds in your ear and dizziness.  

I, too have to deal with that. (Yeah, I have a lot of "quirky" things going on!)  They call it Tinnitus (the sound).  Many things can cause it, including inner/middle ear infections from viruses.  However, a lot of the time, they don't know what causes it.  It's kind of a slippery slope to travel as not many docs have the answers to it.  

Two things that I have found for myself by persisting with finding answers as it is quite annoying to say the least.  

First, a visit to your dentist.  TMJ/clenched jaws can put pressure on the nerves that run from the jaw to your ears.  Physically, your ears will show NO signs of any problems but, it's the nerves running to the ears from the jaws that become inflammed.  Learning to catch yourself clenching and getting a "bite plate/night guard" made to break the cycle of clenching really helps!  

Secondly, (and, may be in combination with jaw clenching or the entire cause), improper posture and tight neck muscles can also tense up muscles and nerve endings leading to the ears.  A good chiropractor can keep this from being tensed through realignment and follow ups to keep it there, along with you learning to keep your posture in check and stretching often, especially if you work on a computer or above your head.  

Since your ENT has not found any physical cause within your ears, give your dentist and a chiropractor a try!  Our bodies have interconnected nerves that we wouldn't dream of being a cause for such weird symptoms.  Both have helped me!  As a matter of fact, I'm off to my chiro this afternoon for a monthly adjustment which has been helping tremendously.  I also wear a nightguard on my teeth and both, together have been making all the difference!  I only notice the dizziness and the sounds in my ear/feelings of fullness when I've not kept up with treatments/night guards and get tensed again.  

Best of luck and wishes!

[stella5349]

I am not in any VA care myself - but I know people who have it and it isn't the best - from what I heard.

Either way - specialist - or NP I think depending on your scan they will run FNA in the nodules before making the cut.

They just won't stick their necks out without having more of an idea of what is going on first before surgery.

[UCIAMYY4U]

I get my care at the VA, and they do not have endocrinologists, my nurse practitioner is my only care so far and they do not even know that their numbers on a TSH test are for people who have not been diagnosed with a thyroid problem.
I am going to ask her to send the results to whatever specialist they use right away rather than waiting for the further tests. I think with so many nodules it would be removed whether cancerous or not, so why test for cancer if it is going to come out anyhow? I at least need a outside referral to an oncologist or endocrinologist ASAP rather than latter.

[stella5349]

We'll the only connection on doing a scan on the brain IF they want to move forwardon a thyroid scan is to take a look at the pitutary also.  

Maybe you are having issues with that?

Who are you seeing - endo or ??

I agree with you on wanting it out regardless - but many patients do not have that happen. It's more of a liability issue for the doctor to run you through the mill of tests first before just cutting you open.