Thyroid Cancer Support Group

Thyroid cancer is cancer of the thyroid gland. There are four forms: papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic. If you or anyone you know and love is affected by thyroid cancer, join this community to lean on the support and experiences of others.

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Needing Advice Please

Serenity12
Serenity12
Hi Everyone,

Thank you in advance for taking the time to help me :)

I recently had an ultrasound of my thryoid. Upon completion of the ultrasound, it was discovered that I have 4 nodules on each side of my thyroid gland (so about 7-8 nodules in total). Each of the nodules are less than 1 cm so for this reason, the ENT that I saw advised that there was no need to worry and to complete another ultrasound in a year. The ENT did not feel that I needed a biopsy to be done. Two of the largest nodules are 0.7 cm each. The remaining five nodules are about 0.1 cm - 0.3 cm each.

I'm posting my question on here because although the ENT advised that nothing's wrong and just to follow up in a year with an ultrasound, I still feel uneasy about it.

Has anyone else gone through a similar experience?

What are some symptoms that you might experience with thyroid cancer?

Thank you for your time and have a nice weekend.
Rosetaz
Rosetaz
I would probably ask him to explain the results of the ultrasound, you can also get a copy of the images and the report from the facility that did the ultrasound. Patients are able to request one copy for free for their own records.

You need to know more about the nodules. I'd also ask why he felt you didn't need a needle aspiration. They are so much easier to aspirate when they are small and the results of that test are more accurate than when it's large nodules.

Usually thyroid cancer has no symptoms.

Does your thyroid panel blood test show normal thyroid function?
Pedsnurse1
Pedsnurse1
At the hospital where I work and will be treated they do not biopsy unless the nodules are at least 2 cm. Almost everything I have read supports that unless the person has symptoms or has a family history
deleted_user
deleted_user
From my understanding, nodules on the thyroid are very common. It's not usually protocol to do a FNA until they are 1cm, reason being it's hard to be accurate in the procedure (getting into the center of the nodule) if it is any smaller. The thing to watch would be if they start growing!! I googled signs of thyroid cancer: Lump in the Neck, Swollen Lymph Nodes, Hoarse Voice, Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing, Neck pain, Throat pain, or no symptoms at all! Mine was papillary about 1cm, and symptoms were hoarseness and constant pressure in throat area (especially after singing awhile)...almost like I was being choked. It was tolerable, just uncomfortable. Hope this helps:)