I have had nodules and had some of them biopsied.they usually biopsy them when they are larger than 1 cm.I dont think I have had cysts.Did they explain how they are different than nodules?are they the same thing?

ok i looked it up.A thyroid cyst has fluid in it.A thyroid nodule can have fluid in it or not.so i believe a thyroid cyst is a thyroid nodule that has fluid...What questions do you have?

I know right now my endocrinologist said that the nodule and the cysts were small nut needed to be monitored. The upper left of my thyroid is the area where there are multiple cysts of various sizes. One of the cysts looked larger. Did your nodules grow or stay the same in six months? I know that nodules and cysts are common.

One of mine grew slightly larger.I had biopsies done with a fine needle aspiration.Its where they collect some of the cells and fluid to test for cancer.My tests came back negative.So no cancer.The next time they were checked ,they had shrunk in size.I still have to have an ultrasound once a year to moniter the sizes and see if new ones have grown.I also had an area of multiple nodules.I dont remember what they called it specifically.If I can find my report from the last ultrasound ,Ill post it.i'm due for my next one in October.I actually have a small nodule in my isthumus,the area in the fron that connects the 2 sides.so my endo crinologgist told me to come back in earlier if i'm having trouble swallowing at all.

I'm so glad your tests were negative! I hope you don't have trouble swallowing! I appreciate your help! :) I often have swollen lymph nodes in my neck but my endocrinologist didn't seem concerned and said she would see me once a year. That if any tests are due she will schedule them.

That sucks. I'm sorry you have nodules, but glad they're not cancerous. Have you started thyroid medication yet? Did your endo even discuss that option with you?

I have hypothyroidism and have been on synthroid for many years.

Do you have Hashimotos? Ive heard that nodules are very common with this.I hope yours stay small and dont grow.If they get to 1 cm., your endocrinologist will probably send you to have them biopsied just to be safe.

I'm not sure if I have Hashimoto's to be honest. I've just always been told hypothyroidism and have not been told why. I hope they don't grow either. I wish I knew why they were there. Are there specific tests for Hashimoto's?

yes there is a specific test.Its a test for antibodies against the thyroid.called TPO antibodies .If its elevated over whats normal,then your body is producing antibodies against your thyroid causing your body to attack the thyroid...there might be another test to but this is what i remember..Hopefully your dr will test for this,although theres not much they can do except treat with thyroid hormones.I think its good to know though because alot of auto-immune diseases can go hand in hand.so if you have one I believe your chances for having another one go up...

My endocrinologist has never tested my TPO antibodies. I will ask her about it. Thank you.

Your welcome..:) I hope everything turns out well for you..:)

If you still have nodules....it's quite likely you're not on enough thyroid medication. (Unfortunately, I know this all too well from personal experience). Endo's are notorious for going by something called a TSH test. It's a bad test for determining HOW MUCH medication you should be on. It just is. I can go into that further if you need me to, but take my word for it....it's the bane of my existence and I'm not alone!
If you have a Free T4 and Free T3 test you can post them here and we can help you decipher how much medication you likely need to be on in order to optimize your thyroid. It's a gradual process, but so worth it! And will most likely shrink your nodules and improve your overall health.

Here's more on that:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/540915_6

If your doctor has NOT done a Free T4 and Free T3 test....you should RUN not walk out of their office and never go back.

PS You asked for personal experience - YES - I've had nodules in the past...and YES enough thyroid medication for ME made them disappear completely.

I couldn't view the article link for some reason. My endocrinologist tested my T3 and said it was fine. I'm in Canada. I don't get copies of my labs. My endocrinologist shows them to me on her computer when I see her. There's only one endocrinologist here and I can't go to another city or another province. I've been on 50mg of synthroid for years. She said I didn't need a different medication.