Scared: thyroid nodules grew, new biopsy

[branv]

I was hoping someone could give me their experience with thyroid nodules that have grown? In 2002 I was found to have mild hypothyroidism, and 2 nodules on my thyroid. My mom had her's removed b/c of Grave's disease and my sister has hypo and Hashimotos. Yaaaay us. An Endo biopsied the nodules and found them to be benign. I was put on meds and never saw that doctor again after we moved to another city that year.

In 2006, my GP wanted me to have another sonogram just to check progress. Unfortunately, we were unable to ever get the original doctor to send over records. So we simply did the sonogram for records sake, and that was it.

Around 2008, my mild hypothyroidism went away. My labs have been normal since.

Last month, I went in for a regular check up and the GP said she wanted me to get an updated sonogram. Just got the results today that one of the nodules I have has "grown a little" and I appear to have two new ones. I have to go in for another biopsy.

I realize that most nodules are benign, and that even if it is cancer, thyroid cancer usually has a very successful outcome. But I'm still scared. Things have been hard lately, and I'm not sure my coping skills are where they should be right now. All I know right now is a) growth doesn't always mean bad, but it may not be good; b) multiple nodules is a better sign than just one; c) the fact that I no longer have hypothyroidism may actually be a negative sign when combined with nodules.

It would really help if people could give me their honest experiences/knowledge of growing thyroid nodules. Thanks.

 

[Christine]

It's totally normal for benign thyroid nodules to grow (as well as cancerous ones). Because they are growing, does not make them any more ominious than they were back in 2006.

That said, growing nodules are going to eventually cause you some issues in your throat area. The nodules can start to press on your throat and cause swallowing difficulties.

 

[House_of_Mouse Fan]

I know the whole situation can be pretty scary. My doctor found thyroid nodules on both lobes in 2001. I had every test imaginable to determine what they were - ultrasound, nuclear scan, needle biopsy. All were inconclusive. When one of my nodules grew significantly between ultrasounds, I had one lobe removed (in 2004) and the nodule was found to be an overgrowth of thyroid tissue (not cancer).

My specialist explained that nodules are very common and a small change from one ultrasound to the next is not unusual. Try to look on the bright side...at least you have a baseline for your nodules and you can track them.

I have an ultrasound every year and I'll admit I'm always a bit nervous until I get the results. It's easy to let the worry consume you (I was a wreck until I received the biopsy results after my surgery), but you are in good hands. A periodic ultrasound is just what's needed.

Sending some good, relaxing thoughts your way!

Please feel free to PM me if you want more information.

 

[branv]

Thanks everyone! It actually really does help to hear this, instead of just having dry medical websites for information.

Wow, it's just been a few months, kwim? I went to see that GP originally b/c of a lump on my leg, that I thought was an ingrown hair. She thought it was basal cell carcinoma (and after looking at pics, it was like the poster child), which I think made her more concerned about the thyroid thing. A dermatologist removed the lump and zeroed in on a mole she said had some signs of melanoma. That was a ROUGH middle of December waiting for results, but everything was mostly clear (the lump had some mildly atypical cells). I just had a miscarriage in October, but found out last week I'm pregnant again. We decided to do beta tests to check progress, and just yesterday I found out they don't look good and I may be headed for another miscarriage. And today, this news. So much in just a few weeks.

I'm just feeling discouraged and not as capable at keeping perspective. So honestly, a few real world experiences mean everything. Reminds me that everyone has worries, and largely they get through. Thanks.

 

[sunlover13]

My husband was diagnosed with thryroid cancer about 4 years ago. He had his thyroid removed. He stayed overnight in the hospital for 1 night and then was out of work for about a week. The only reason is b/c he couldn't drive b/c of the stitches and not turning his neck. Otherwise, he was up and around, just no driving.

He takes medication everyday and has no ill effects. He gets checked out once a year.

The hardest part for him was the radioactive iodine treatment b/c he had to go on a very strict low sodium diet for 2 weeks. That was the toughest part.

If you do end up getting your thyroid removed, his best advise is to get a recommended surgeon. The surgeon my husband was sent to pretty much cuts your throat from ear to ear. My husband went to someone else and his incision was only about 2.5 inches long and is no longer noticeable.

My SIL (husband's sister) also had her thyroid removed, same surgeon.

Both are happy & healthy.

Good luck to you!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Thanks everyone! It actually really does help to hear this, instead of just having dry medical websites for information.

Wow, it's just been a few months, kwim? I went to see that GP originally b/c of a lump on my leg, that I thought was an ingrown hair. She thought it was basal cell carcinoma (and after looking at pics, it was like the poster child), which I think made her more concerned about the thyroid thing. A dermatologist removed the lump and zeroed in on a mole she said had some signs of melanoma. That was a ROUGH middle of December waiting for results, but everything was mostly clear (the lump had some mildly atypical cells). I just had a miscarriage in October, but found out last week I'm pregnant again. We decided to do beta tests to check progress, and just yesterday I found out they don't look good and I may be headed for another miscarriage. And today, this news. So much in just a few weeks.

I'm just feeling discouraged and not as capable at keeping perspective. So honestly, a few real world experiences mean everything. Reminds me that everyone has worries, and largely they get through. Thanks.

You've been on an emotional rollercoaster for a few months. Of course "perspective" isn't going to be the best right now. Don't apologize. Hope you get good news and are put at ease soon. Will pray and send your way. Wishing you a healthy, happy, peaceful 2013.

 

[donaldlovesdaisy]

I also have thyroid nodules and I know how you feel. I get them checked once a year and every year I have an anxiety attack waiting to find out if they have grown. I am sure your biopsy will come back fine! Good luck and good thoughts.

 

[disney1990]

I had a nodule and they removed only 1/2 of my thyroid. The other half took over and I do not have to take any medication. Keep the faith.

 

[Aliceacc]

I had a goiter that was getting out of control. As a result, I lost half my thyroid.

The surgery was no big deal for me. I did stay overnight, but I had no pain. My voice was a bit of a problem for those first few days (I'm a teacher, and it was the first week of school.) I did have to wear a bandage over it for a week or so.

But I'm not on any medication. My surgeon was great-- you can't even see the scar unless you look pretty hard.

So don't sweat this one. Even if you do lose half the thyroid, it doesn't have to be a big deal.

But you're in my prayers as far as the pregnancy goes.

 

[branv]

Thanks again everyone. You've all been so amazing.

I will say that the thought of losing my thyroid isn't something that would keep me up at night. I don't mean to sound cavalier, b/c I do know the other health problems associated with no or a poorly functioning thyroid. But I guess b/c my mom had her's removed many years ago and b/c my dad is a 20+ year survivor of lung cancer, the idea of losing a thyroid compared to cancer risk is like a walk in the park. Don't let the door hit you on the way out thyroid! I'd rather someone say "let's remove part/all of it because there could be a problem in the future," far far over "well, let's just keep an eye on it." Sadly, we lost a dear family member to cancer because of a "let's wait and see," and today my motto to anything that includes the words "might", "possibly", "aren't sure", "suspicious" "for now" or "pre-" is: give me the scalpel, I'll cut it out myself!

That being said, no one wants that to happen, and I will just keep hoping this is a lot of worrying over nothing. All of your responses have gone an amazingly far way to give me that perspective I needed.

 

[mlittig]

I have no experience with thyroid issues but just want to say I am thinking of you and sending you positive, healing thoughts