About Karen Brawner Expertise I will answer any questions you have regarding the thyroid whether it be cancer, cysts (types), hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, blood tests for thyroid problems, surgery, fine needle biopsies etc...
Experience My complex cysts on my right thyroid gland and the isthmus were found my accident when my doctor thought I was having a TIA. The ultrasound found a complex cysts the size of a golf ball (which turned out to be the size of a tennis ball when it was surgically remove). Doctors were totally surprised because for 5 years, including the day I went to surgery, all of my thyroid blood work was "within the normal range". So much for blood work being conclusive..
Question Hi,
I'm 44 and for 9 years I've had multiple symptoms, first all was related to acid reflux and continues to be, the list is too long so I will only list for the past year, change in hair structure from fairly straight to very wavy, sleep problems, depression, fatigue, frequent (4-5x a day) hard and hard to pass stools, cramping, periods have gone from being 26 days apart to 17 , averaging 21. I also have high cholesterol. My tsh is checked every year though it always runs in their normal range, 2004 tsh - 2.31, last month tsh- 1.46. Hypothyroidism- maternal grandmother, uncle and mother. This last visit to the doctors after he felt my thyroids said he felt some fullness. I went for an ultrasound last week and got the results from my doctor today in the mail but no follow up with him was mentioned, just got a copy of the results. Here is what it said.
Sacns of the neck demonstrate a somewhat enlarged right thyroid lobe with the remainder of the thyroid gland being more normal sized. The right lobe measures 45mm in length, 20 mm in thickness and 14 mm in width. The left thyroid lobe measures 46 mm in length, 14 mm in thickness and 13mm in width. The thyroid isthmus is normal thickness at 1.3mm. Two nodules are noted in the mid right thyroid lobe. The largest is in the upper mid right thyroid measuring 10 x 8 x 7 mm and is slightly hyperechoic solid appearing. The second nodule is mildly hypoechoic lying just inferior to the first nodule in the right thyroid lobe measuring 6 x 3.6 x 3.9 mm. No other masses or lymphadenopathy.
I can feel the increase in the size of the right thyroid, sometimes more than other times. I'm going to call my doctors office for a consult about this report but would appreciate any help with reading this.
Thanks
Laurie
Answer Dear Laurie, ANytime you have nodules within the thyroid gland, it is IMPORTANT for you to see the doctor and ask the doctor what more tests he plans to do.... The radiologist is saying that one seems to be solid apprearing, but doesn't say what the second is... It could be solid or complex cyst or a simple cyst... You need to know and your doctor needs to talk to you....
If this doctor you are seeing is NOT an Endocrinologist, then I suggest that you get a second opinion from one or at least get a second opinion from an ear nose and throat surgeon....
