Hurthle cells in thyroid nodule and weird symptoms

[KJF770]

Hi- I am a 40 y.o. female with a 2.7cm nodule in my left thyroid lobe.  The FNA biopsy showed normal cells changing into hurthle cells throughout the sample and concluded I had hashimoto's and should follow up with an endo (I am seeing her in 10 days).  I have normal t3, t4 and tsh. My antibodies (not sure which ones) are high.  I have 2 lymph nodes on the right side of my neck that have been slightly enlarged for over 8 years (had them looked back then by a surgeon who was unimpressed by them if they remain unchanged which they did).  One lymph node is in the middle of my neck and the other is at the base, both along the side.  The lower one seems smaller and very movable.

My mother's identical twin sister has graves disease and my father's sister has a history of a benign thyroid nodule.  My symptoms began about a month ago with mild chest pains, fast heart rate, hand tremors and short periods.  I know these are symptoms of HYPERthyroidism.  In the last week or so I have periodic, mild achiness in my neck, armpits and groin.  My questions are:  (1) does anyone know what the significance (other than cancer) of hurthle cells in the biopsy is if I have Hashimoto's, if any? and (2)  Assuming I have an autoimmune thyroid disorder, is it normal to have the areas I mentioned where my lymph nodes are (armpits, groin, neck) to be achy?

[KJF770]

Thanks for your comment.  It makes me feel much better to know that Hurthle cells can be "normal" with Hashimoto's.  I do think I am having a flare-up (of hyperthyroid symptoms right now), so I will try not to worry until I see the Endo.

[redheadaussie]

Hurthle cells are invariably but not always found with patients who have Hashimoto's disease...I should know! I had them and I have Hashimoto's!
  You might be having an Hashimoto's flare up. Or an infection for which your body is fighting off right now. You don't have to be 'sick' to have an infection going on in your body for your lymph nodes to swell up.
  If you still feel concerned you should go to your local doctor and see what they say.