Would you think it was thyroid cancer?

Question

If your doctor ordered an ultrasound to look at your thyroid gland and your lymph nodes were swollen and you felt like crap most of the time, what would you think? I have hypothyroidism. On Synthroid. That test was fine. ANA, RA, & SED rate ok. The lump growning into my throat is getting bigger (on the inside). One doctor said I had a mass, another said it was massive. Then, a few days later, the first doctor said I may have nodules. Doctor said he was going to ordr biopsy after ultrasound. What would you think?

Tested negative for mono

Answer 1

There are a few reasons for thyroid growth. Here is a list of possible reasons:
1)Hashimoto's disease. This disease, also called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is a common cause of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto's disease also is an autoimmune disorder and causes inflammation, which impairs your thyroid's ability to produce hormones. Then, your pituitary gland attempts to stimulate your thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones, causing your thyroid gland to enlarge.
2) Multinodular goiter. In this condition, several nodules develop in both sides of your thyroid, resulting in overall enlargement of the gland. Multinodular goiter may occur with normal, low or excessive thyroid hormone production.
3) Solitary thyroid nodules. A solitary nodule describes a single nodule that can occur in any part of your thyroid gland. Most nodules are noncancerous (benign) and don't lead to cancer.
4) Thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is less common than benign thyroid nodules. Cancer of the thyroid often appears as an enlargement on one side of the thyroid.
5) Inflammation. Thyroiditis is an inflammatory condition of the thyroid. Various types of thyroiditis can result in an enlargement of your thyroid gland. Some may cause thyroid pain, often aggravated by swallowing or pressure. Some types of thyroiditis are associated with hyperthyroidism, while others are associated with hypothyroidism.
Hopefully, the biopsy results will be able to determine the cause of thyroid growth. If it is cancer, there are 2 different types. One stays contained with in the thyroid (the type I had 17 years ago) and the second is more likely to spread from the thyroid. Treatment is usually surgical removal of the thyroid gland +/- radioactive iodine treatments and Synthroid for thyroid hormone replacement.

Answer 2

The sed rate is conflicting, as you would expect it to be elevated in such cases. Were the swollen nodes found during the U/S for the thyroid? The sed rate should be elevated in almost every imaginable type of infection. For your lymph nodes to be swollen and have a normal sedimentation rate rule out your immune system battling a pathogen.

I'm not an MD, but I know as much. I don't want to scare you, but it may be cancer, you never know. How long have you been on Synthroid? Most thyroid cancers produce symptoms of HYPERthyroidism.

Answer 3

I just went through this exact thing. It's good you're getting a biopsy. That really is the only way to find out for sure. My biopsy came up benign. I do have a fiberous mass that is messing with me a little and I'm going in next week to get blood work done to see where my levels are.
Don't stress - the great majority of thyroid lumps are NOT cancerous.

Answer 4

im a 20 year previous guy with thyroid issues, I easily have alot of an identical indications as you. all i'm able to assert is that in case you do have thyroid maximum cancers it relatively is between the main treatable styles of maximum cancers around. yet to me it doesnt sound like maximum cancers. purely take a deep breath, relax, and experience life.

Answer 5

Most thyroid tumors, lumps, etc. are not cancerous. I worried myself sick when I had an ultrasound and found out I had a tumor. The doctor removed half my thyroid, I take Synthroid and am fine. Don't worry before you have something to worry about. Think positive, it actually helps your health!

Answer 6

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits low on the front of the neck. Your thyroid lies below your Adam’s apple, along the front of the windpipe. The thyroid has two side lobes, connected by a bridge (isthmus) in the middle. When the thyroid is its normal size, you’re unlikely to be able to feel it.
All types of hyperthyroidism are due to overproduction of thyroid hormones, but the condition can develop in several ways.
Thyroid hormone production can be suppressed or halted completely in these ways: https://tr.im/gLIxf

Answer 7

get the ultra sound .. then if they want to do the biopsy.. do it;)
Incidence of thyroid cancer is about 1%

The biopsy doesn't hurt that much .. I'm a baby..
I have mutiple nodules in my thryroid but it functions fine.. so every year they do an ultrasound for changes... so far so good

Find a very good endocrinologist...

Answer 8

My mom had a cancerous tumor in her thyroid. It was removed a number of years ago. To tell you the truth, she had so much energy once she was rid of that thing... it was draining her physically. She of course has to take synthroid and keep on top of her health, but overall she is so much healthier now.

I know it's a scary time for you, but it sounds like your doctors are diligent and doing the right things for you.

Luck to you.

Answer 9

Dana sit back and relax and wait for the results, A lot of people get lumps and it turns out to really be no more then a fatty or fluid lump, Sit tight and don't stress, If the Doctor was really worried you would be in the hospital right now....

Answer 10

I think I would be looking for another doctor/doctors: one who would be more specific about their diagnosis.

As the patient, you have the right and responsibility to be aggressive in your quest to find out what is wrong with you. Seek a third, fourth, or even fifth opinion. Your medical records are yours; any present or previous doctor is required to release x-rays, ultrasound findings, or any other medical records in their possession.