Thyroid lump 2ww & first ENT appointment

Hi, this is my first post. 

4 weeks ago I noticed a lump in the front of my neck and quickly realised its where my thyroid is located. I went to my GP had bloods done wich came back all okay so GP put me a referral in via the 2ww pathway. The next day the hospital called me and gave me an appointment for a week later. The appointment was yesterday with ENT. I had a nasal endoscopy and the Consultant has put me in for a ultrasound and or FNA biopsy in the next 2-3 weeks. I have been absolutely terrified but on being examined yesterday the consultant said he didn't think it's cancerous just from touching it and looking wich I found quite confusing especially because I am still being sent for more tests and am unsure how he could give me that information just on examining the lump by touch.

He didn't ask anything about my symptoms either I had to speak up because I've been feeling quite poorly ear pain/aching in neck, upper back pain and a feeling of fullness pressure in my upper chest along with exhaustion, weight loss, foggy head and weakness/heaviness in my arms and legs and joint pain stiffness (I was also tested for arthritis and was negative). I am generally not myself at all and not wanting to sound negative I know my own body and something definitely isn't right Some of these symptoms may not be related to my thyroid lump though and have been ongoing for the past 18 months or more. My GP checked for numerous things in bloods along with autoimmune disease and of course Thyroid function and when I had the results I couldn't help but feel dissapointed because I want answers. I can't remember the last time I didn't wake in the morning feeling like I haven't slept and I am always exhausted and I have at times put that down to the demands of a busy life and being a mum but even when well rested I am so weak and tired all the time. 

If you've got this far thanks for reading! 

Has anyone else been through similar who could share some of their own experience? Also FNA is it as absolutely horrid as it sounds? I have a bit of a needle phobia and the thought of this makes me feel sick and anxious. 

Thank you, 

Laura x

  • Honestly, try not to worry. I had thyroid cancer three and a half years ago and I can reassure you quite a bit.

    The FNA was no big deal at all. To me, it felt sort of like when you are sewing and you *** your finger on the needle? The third one was a bit more uncomfortable (they took three samples) but really not much more. I went straight back to work after it (and had one of my students ask why I had a plaster on my neck; "did you get stung by a bee, Miss?"

    I'm guessing the doctor didn't ask about your symptoms because they probably don't give much indication one way or the other. Thyroid cancer rarely causes symptoms and I think most of the symptoms it does cause in the cases where it does...they are fairly similar to those of a benign lump. The only symptm you mention that sounds like it could relate to thyroid cancer is the pain in your neck. 

    Now, some of them COULD be caused by something like an underactive thyroid (not sure if that can be related to a lump or not) but that wouldn't indicate cancer.

    I think how hard or soft a lump is can sometimes give indications as to whether or not it is cancerous and the fact that he is that quick to say he doesn't think it's cancer is a very good sign.

    And even in the absolute worst case scenario where it is cancer (and it sounds unlikely), thyroid cancer isn't what you are probably imagining when you hear the word "cancer". For one thing, the survival rate for the two most common forms is close to 100% in younger people (where "younger" means under about 50). And it very rarely requires any ongoing treatment like chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Even if it is cancer, it would most likely be cured by the removal of your thyroid and possbily some lymph nodes if they think they might be involved.

    I had a ridiculously large tumour - the entire thing was 10.5cm and of that, 6.7cm was cancerous. The largest category they even mention if you look online is over 4cm. And I also had all the lymph nodes at one side removed. I was off work for a month and honestly, that was mostly because I am a teacher and two things I need to be able to do is to speak, sometimes quite loudly, for long periods of time and turn my head quickly! 

  • Hey,  

    I am like that now check my post  , going through these horrible thoughts

    Keep strong, there is saying at my work :

    It's okay to be not okay buy Have faith my...

    dears