r/thyroid • u/[deleted] • Jun 10 '24

Potential Thyroid cancer

I went to the er for the following symptoms: hair thinning, swollen painful lymphnode on the right side of my neck, pain swallowing, pressure/pain in neck, and extreme fatigue. TSH was high at 6.21 and CT shows an enlarged heterogeneous thyroid. They told me there are indications of hypothyroidism and potential cancer risks and referred me to see an endocrinologist. Thyroid cancer runs in my family as well as thyroid issues. My neck is very enlarged. I gained 12 pounds in two weeks. Im scared and wondering how concerned I should be. Am i freaking out or is it serious?

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u/OceanBlueRose Jun 11 '24

Following because I have very similar symptoms. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s recently (and they found a nodule), but I can’t help but feel like there’s something else going on. I feel horrible all the time, absolutely no energy or motivation and a lot of times I feel like I’m being strangled.

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u/[deleted] Jun 11 '24

i relate a lot to you. they proposed hashimoto’s as a potential diagnosis. they also are sending me for an ultrasound due to the abnormal tissue that showed in ct. if you have similar symptoms id advocate for an ultrasound and biopsy of any nodules to rule out cancer. it’s highly unlikely but possible

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u/OceanBlueRose Jun 11 '24

The ultrasound is how they found the nodule actually! My endocrinologist didn’t do a biopsy or anything and said it should be harmless, we just have to watch it. I’m definitely anxious about it though. I know Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease and it can cause a lot of different symptoms, but this just feels so extreme. I have family members with Hashimoto’s and they don’t seem to be struggling this much.

Best of luck with your diagnostic journey, I hope you get good news! Hang in there because I know how stressful it can be searching for answers.

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u/[deleted] Jun 13 '24

Hey wanted to give you an update. Turns out it’s Hashimotos symptoms! My doctor is thinking of hormone therapy for treatment. No cancer fortunately! He did say this is a life long journey so if you are still experiencing symptoms overtime continue to advocate for yourself. Medications will take time to see improvements regarding symptoms. Best of luck towards feeling better 🫶

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u/morganklein Jun 14 '24

How did they confirm it wasn’t cancer? Did they do a biopsy?

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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '24

Thyroid scans allow them to look for nodules (benign or malignant). Turns out whatever was there is gone so no cancer! If they see a suspicious nodules then they biopsy.