Expert: Karen Brawner - 1/10/2006

Question
I just had a recent ultrasound done on my neck and the results came back as follows:
The thyroid gland is diffusely enlarged. The isthmus is 6 mm thick. The right lobe of the thyroid gland measures 8.0 x 3.9 x 2.9 cm; the left 8.0 x 3.3 x 2.2 cm. The entirety of the gland is heterogeneous in echotexture. There are two small cystic lesions within the mid pole of the right thyroid gland measuring 5 and 7 mm with a 6 mm cyst within the mid pole of the left thyroid lobe.

My doctor tells me that she thinks that my hormone levels are normal but she never drew any blood samples. Can she know that information through just an ultrasound? I am thinking about seeing a different doctor before I take the medicine she prescribed for me because she was very short in her answers and she feels that none of my symptoms has anything to do with it such as weight gain, mood swings, frustration, dry skin, etc. I don't know how worried I should be about this.

It would be nice to know someone else thoughts on this who actually had this problem before because no one in my family ever had a thyroid problem. Thank you for help.

Answer
Dear Pinkie,   It this doctor is simply a Family Doctor, a GP, OB/gyn, or Internal Medicine doctor, then DEFINATELY you need a second opinion...  I would recommend that you see an Endocrinologist or a Thyroidologist and take with you the actual ultrasound FILMS and the radiologist report on these films....  To answer your question about homrone levels normal, 9 chances out of 10 they are since most doctors only do a TSH thyroid blood test and this is the most UNRELIABLE blood test for thyroid problems because they most always come back "within normal range", but normal for one is NOT normal for another....

You need to take the above mentioned items and make an appointment with a specialist, get a TOTAL exam including ALL the thyroid blood tests that are needed and do this before takeing ANY medication she has given you....  

thank you,   karen