thyroid nodules.

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debsweb18
debsweb18 Member Posts: 191 Member
in Breast Cancer #1

We're all watched more carefully since we've had the big C. A cold led to a lung xray which led to more test eventually leading to a lung biopsy. Got through that ok. They also found thyroid nodules that they are watching every 6 months.

 The last ultrasound showed the nodule was larger and there was another one on the other side. My ent was so wishy washy and one minute said we would biopsy it the next time and then the next minute he said maybe we'll take it out because of my history  (Just the bc). I obviously need a new dr and will have my oncologist recommend someone else.

Anything i should know? Be concerned about? Any questions I should ask?

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  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #2
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    I had thyroid nodules since I

    I had thyroid nodules since I was very small.  When I was 18 I was sent for a nuclear scan (no longer done).  I went through a lot of testing just to be told to watch it.  That didn't mean much to a healthy 18 year old.

    After my daughter was born 18 years later, I developed a large goiter and became severely hypothyroid.  I have been on levothyroxine ever since.  Interestingly enough, no one says I have nodules anymore.  Both the goiter and the nodules disappeared after treatment for me.

    Nodules can be benign or cancerous.  Nodules can also, in my case, be a precursor to thyroid disease. 

    "Thyroid cancer can cause several symptoms:

    • You may get a lump or swelling in your neck. This is the most common symptom.
    • You may have pain in your neck and sometimes in your ears.
    • You may have trouble swallowing.
    • You may have trouble breathing or have constant wheezing.
    • Your voice may be hoarse.
    • You may have a frequent cough that is not related to a cold." http://www.webmd.com/cancer/tc/thyroid-cancer-topic-overview

    My brother did have thyroid cancer when he was in his early 30's.  The good news is that most thyroid cancers have a good prognosis.  My brother is about to turn 65 this year. :-)

    "Thyroid cancer is an uncommon type of cancer. Most people who have it do very well, because the cancer is usually found early and the treatments work well. After it is treated, thyroid cancer may come back, sometimes many years after treatment." http://www.webmd.com/cancer/tc/thyroid-cancer-topic-overview

    I know, after cancer, we are all afraid and it definitely pays to be vigilant, so I would keep a close eye on it.  And, if it is benign, don't get nonchalant about it (like I did).  Keep getting it checked.  My younger sister had thyroid antibodies and her thyroid always was normal, normal, normal and then she hit 50 and, whoops, not normal.  I would have my TSH checked yearly if I were in your shoes and knwing what I do now.  Hope some of this helps. 

  • desertgirl947
    desertgirl947 Member Posts: 653 Member
    #3
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    Before bc

    I have had a nodules, several years before bc.  My ENT checks annually, alternating between doing a needle biopsy to doing an ultrasound.  So far, that has been it, other than taking meds for hypothyroidism.

    E

     

  • debsweb18
    debsweb18 Member Posts: 191 Member
    #4
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    Thanks for the replies

    It's interesting because I was sent to an ENT because I've been hoarse for a while with a constant cough. I also had a lung nodule that was biospied (thankfully negative for cancer!) so I know it's not due to lung cancer or mets. The ENT diagnosed me with LPR, a type of reflux that sprays the vocal chords-no heartburn. I've been wondering if these symptoms are due to my thyroid. I'm also so tired all the time even though I'm 1 1/2 years out from radiation. What kind of doctor do you recommend? I see my oncologist next week so I'll ask him to refer someone. 

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #5
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    debsweb18 said:

    Thanks for the replies

    It's interesting because I was sent to an ENT because I've been hoarse for a while with a constant cough. I also had a lung nodule that was biospied (thankfully negative for cancer!) so I know it's not due to lung cancer or mets. The ENT diagnosed me with LPR, a type of reflux that sprays the vocal chords-no heartburn. I've been wondering if these symptoms are due to my thyroid. I'm also so tired all the time even though I'm 1 1/2 years out from radiation. What kind of doctor do you recommend? I see my oncologist next week so I'll ask him to refer someone. 

    BUMPING UP ....

    BUMPING UP

  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #6
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    Endocrinologist

    For thyroid problems, you will probably want to see an endocrinologist - a doctor who specializes in endocrine issues and will know how to treat thyroid disease.  I have a condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease.  There are nodules on my thyroid; they have been there for 25 years or more.  If you are having symptoms of thyroid disease (many women do!), getting them treated will help you feel better. xoxoxo Lynn

     

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #7
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    lynn1950 said:

    Endocrinologist

    For thyroid problems, you will probably want to see an endocrinologist - a doctor who specializes in endocrine issues and will know how to treat thyroid disease.  I have a condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease.  There are nodules on my thyroid; they have been there for 25 years or more.  If you are having symptoms of thyroid disease (many women do!), getting them treated will help you feel better. xoxoxo Lynn

     

    Lynn, I have Hashimoto's

    Lynn, I have Hashimoto's also.  That is excellent advice.  Anyone with nodules should be checked out by an endocrinologist.  They are the very best at understanding and treating thyroid disorders.

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #8
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    I had nodules also.
    Was sent to Endocrinologist. I was on meds for about 2 years. Then the right side nodules took over that whole side. Had another us on it and there was 2 small ones on left. She wanted them out after biopsy. The big was was clear, there were 4 small ones on the left and two had atypical cells. NP since, take 2 meds daily.

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