Ultrasound for thyroid?

DianeJ · 11-30-2002, 12:15 AM

Anyone have this done? Had my annual exam this past week and doctor (not my usual one) wants me to have one done, to check for nodules. What do they do exactly?? I've only had an abdominal u/s done before; really not sure what to expect on this one. Seems kind of odd to be pressing the wand in that area. Just wondering. I know that they use a different machine than the abdominal one - at least where I go. They have u/s machines there, but not one to test the thyroid. I need to go someplace else to get it done.

She sent me for blood tests too, to check thyroid function. I've had a zillion of these done over the years, and each one, so far, has come back normal. Can you have nodules without having a thyroid problem?

She didn't seem too worried about it; told me there wasn't a rush to get it done but that I should eventually get it done. I'm thinking of calling to set one up for Dec/Jan.

Thanks for any info!

kirst · 11-30-2002, 09:01 PM

Hi
I have a thyroid nodule, which is being removed on Monday, but the reason I know this is because I could feel it, so i can't see why they would send you for a U/S if there is nothing to feel. Even if your thyroid tests are normal, this doesn't mean that there is not a nodule, as most of them are completely harmless...Anyway, it all sound a bit mysterious, so you should certainly ask some questions(!) but the chances are that it's nothing to worry about
(and the U/S is totally fine, just takes 5 minutes)
K x

DianeJ · 11-30-2002, 09:27 PM

Thanks Kirst. 5 minutes I can handle. lol

The reason she wants it done is that she thinks it's a bit swollen in the area. She really can't feel anything (or rather she didn't *say* she felt anything), but she just wants the u/s done to make sure. She said it looked enlarged and figured it wouldn't hurt to be able to see what it looked like.

I just wanted to make sure that you could have nodules and still have a normal thyroid.

Thanks for the info; appreciate it!

Good luck with your operation Monday; hope all goes well.

JessicaE · 12-01-2002, 09:32 PM

Yes, you can have nodules and still have normal bloodwork! I did, and ended up having a left thyroidectomy six years ago. My bloodwork was normal from five years before the nodule up until just a year ago (five years after I had the entire left side of my thyroid removed).

My nodule was not palpable (you could not feel it). It was discovered through a radioactive dye test, and then I went in for an ultrasound to determine if it was a cyst or a hard nodule.

The u/s was no problem at all, except for the fact that it was slightly uncomfortable to have them pressing on my thyroid (mine was enlarged too). I also had a needle biopsy on the nodule guided by u/s, but chances are you won't need that.

Good luck!

DianeJ · 12-02-2002, 12:20 AM

Jessica - a needle biopsy?? yikes! I would have freaked. Glad things are ok with you now.

Thanks for the info. Now I just have to get my butt in gear and make the appointment. :p

DianeJ · 12-02-2002, 11:32 PM

Spoke too soon! Doctor called today re: test results - yup, have hypothyroid. Starting on synthroid tomorrow. Like I need yet *another* pill to take. {sigh} Still getting the ultrasound done too.