Thyroid nodule...inconclusive biopsy and possible surgery

Hi Everyone, 

I went to the doctors with a pulled neck muscle around 3 months ago and whilst she was examining me she found 2 swollen lymph nodes which she wanted checking out so I was referred for an ultra sound scan. Whilst having my scan they found a small nodule on my thyroid but was reassured that it looked fine but he would be mentioning it on my report. I was then referred to ent by my gp and the consultant there had a good look at my throat etc and seemed unconcerned but wanted the thyroid consultant to look at it. When I got to the thyroid consultant he seemed very concerned  and told me the nodule looked “abnormal” and was sent straight for a biopsy! After a a scary 2 weeks my results have come back as inconclusive and I have been given the option of another biopsy or to have it removed. Forgot to mention that my thyroid is also slightly over active and I have an appt with endricology in Nov. 

Has anyone else been in a similar situation? My anxiety is through the roof 

 

Emma

  • Hi! 
     

    I don't really know if this is the right place or thread to post so if I'm wrong then let me know! 
     

    I don't really have a great detail of knowledge about what's happening but I'll give you as much background as possible. Basically 7 years ago I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid. And I took thyroxine up until 2 years ago when pregnant with my youngest. I had hypermesis so was unable to keep the medication down. Anyway had bloods taken constantly and my levels were coming back totally normal. Still are now showing as normal. All my other bloods are fine too including WBC. 
     

    For the past year I've had a raised lymph node in the back of my neck. It's squidgey and is able to be moved when pressing. Accompanying that I've had pain in my neck that whole time and also a sore throat with some hoarseness. The doctors have done bloods but have said everything was fine so sent me on my way. I've been seen multiple times for the same issues over the past year. The pain has started to spread into collar bone and armpit. So I went back again and they sent me for an ultrasound eventually 'for my peace of mind'. Scan showed my lymph nodes in my neck (didn't check elsewhere) are reactive. And I have a cystic thyroid nodule on the bottom left. Doctor said it's probably not cancerous but not happy to leave it so has put me on the 2 week wait for a FNA. She didn't tell me the size of the nodule. So I'm currently waiting for an appointment. 
     

    I guess I just wanted some reassurance more than anything or just someone to talk too. I have quite severe health anxiety so as you can imagine google has not been my friend. Symptoms are fatigue, sore neck down to under armpit. Hoarse voice,sore throat in the evenings,  hair loss, dry scalp, itchy forearms, slight pitting in fingernails. Just wondered if anyone else has similar symptoms and what your outcome was? I'm 35 next month. 
     

    Thanks so much if you've read all that. 
     

    Sam xx

  • Hi Sam,

    I don't think symptoms is a reliable indicator whether a nodule is benign or not. We all do the same with Google and I think you sometimes convince yourself you have symptoms when reading them. 

     

    To my knowledge, cysts are usually benign, although my consultant told me mine would likely be benign. I don't go by statistics too much. Not trying to scare you, it's just I was blindsided when I got my diagnosis. Then again every case is different and yours could very well be benign. Hope all goes well. 

  • Hi can I have some advice please.  thanks so much 

  • What specifically are you looking for advice on?

  • Hi had another biopsy of womb over four weeks ago waiting for results my endometris hyoerplasma has got bigger 32mm

  • Good evening 

    This is my first post here. Having read through all the previous posts it has made me feel calmer.

    A little history:

    End of May I went to the dentist for a check up and he noticed a large lump on the right side of my throat/thyroid.  Referred me to the hospital.  First appointment 2 weeks later. Bloods - came back normal.  Had US and FNA on 21st June. Was told I'd have my results in 2 weeks. Almost 3 weeks and having made numerous calls to the consultants secretary I've still not received my results which tbh I feel quite appalled at. 

    I have an ENT appointment on 21sr July which I'm assuming will be my results?  But the waiting is killing me and I'm feeling like I'm being fobbed off.

    The not knowing is awful. I have kind of accepted that if it's cancer I'll deal with it but I just wish someone would tell me!

    How long did you have to wait for thyroid biopsy results?

    Thanks x

  • Hi Ditzie2009,

    I waited about a week or just over it to get my results.

    Did u have any symptoms?

  • No although I'm post menopausal and from what I've read some symptoms can apply to either menopause or thyroid cancer. 

  • A tricky one. I had no symptoms and mine was cancerous. Every case is different.

    I was blindsided with my diagnosis as they kept telling me it's likely benign, but not all cases are cancer so try to distract yourself or listen to calming music. Once you get your result at least you'll know - I felt shocked but much calmer when I knew what I was facing. 

  • Thanks for your response.  I think the not knowing awful.  At least if I can get my results I can deal with whatever they are. At the moment I feel in limbo.

    Sorry to hear your diagnosis.  Did you have surgery?