cysts and lesions on thyroid ultrasound - what would cause this?

[Guest guest]

I started having a choking feeling and first thought it was reflux.

But treatment for this did not help at all. Realized the feeling was

around my thyroid. Thyroid testing was " normal " . PCP ordered an

ultrasound, which showed cysts and lesions in my thyroid. I have an

appt with an endocrinologist on Fri. What is this doctor likely to do

from this point forward? I think my thyroid function fluctuates

some ... sometimes I feel a bit hyperthyroid and sometimes more

sluggish. Anyone else have experiences like this? I am now taking

iodoral, just started and feel some better.

Thank you for any advice you have.

[Guest guest]

Cysts are formed in the body in an attempt to "wall off" something that does that not

belong there. They can be formed by the body as a protective measure, and sometimes

by a microorganism in a resting stage. Lesions are small sections of tissue that have

sustained injury of some kind, changing the structure of the organ. Their presence has a

tendency to disrupt cell signaling, and that leads to functional changes in the area that

they are in.Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year.

[Guest guest]

I noticed that thyroid problems are very common. I have read that bacteria and antibiotics and lack of Vit. C and lack of iodine and exposure to toxins, especially fluoride and bromide are harmful to the thyroid. Well, that's what I know off the top of my head.

Heidi N

From Conniemconehead:

"I started having a choking feeling and first thought it was reflux. But treatment for this did not help at all. Realized the feeling was around my thyroid. Thyroid testing was "normal". PCP ordered an ultrasound, which showed cysts and lesions in my thyroid. I have an appt with an endocrinologist on Fri. What is this doctor likely to do from this point forward? I think my thyroid function fluctuates some ... sometimes I feel a bit hyperthyroid and sometimes more sluggish. Anyone else have experiences like this? I am now taking iodoral, just started and feel some better.Thank you for any advice you have."Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year.

[Guest guest]

I have been both hyper and hypo with a low TSH which consigned me to a special section of hell.

I was hypo all my childhood (chubby, brain fogged, frequent infections like encephalitis and spinal meningitis at the same time!, lots of antibiotics), then supposedly hyper as a young adult. Treatment for that was partial thyroidectomy and no meds b/c of TSH which left me sick for 30 years, until I got a computer and started treating myself.

It is clear to me that both hyper and hypo=iodine deficiency and that's where a person should start. Cysts and lesions definately means iodine deficiency too.

Gracia

Hi, conniemconehead -

Most likely, the endo will do FNA (needle biopsy) to decide if it is cancerous. If so, or if it is inconclusive, they will want to remove your thyroid and treat with RAI if it is thyca.

Some people here have shrunk their cysts with Iodoral, supporting nutrients, and Armour. Hopefully they will weigh in here. I may have missed other answers as I've been away and I'm tryng to catch up.

I don't know why your symptoms fluctuate - could it be that you are hyperthyroid and then hypo? I don't know enough about that to be sure, but I have read other's comments. Perhaps you could join the NaturalThyroidHormone group and ask there?

I'm a thyroid cancer survivor who had TT and 17 years later, RAI, but I might do it differently today. Things just aren't the same without a thyroid gland.

Best to you,

in OH - 42 year thycan, hypoparathyroidism

cysts and lesions on thyroid ultrasound - what would cause this?

I started having a choking feeling and first thought it was reflux. But treatment for this did not help at all. Realized the feeling was around my thyroid. Thyroid testing was "normal". PCP ordered an ultrasound, which showed cysts and lesions in my thyroid. I have an appt with an endocrinologist on Fri. What is this doctor likely to do from this point forward? I think my thyroid function fluctuates some ... sometimes I feel a bit hyperthyroid and sometimes more sluggish. Anyone else have experiences like this? I am now taking iodoral, just started and feel some better.Thank you for any advice you have.

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.10/1241 - Release Date: 1/24/2008 9:58 AM

[Guest guest]

What they probably will do is rush you through a series

of tests, biopsies of your thyroid...and in the end

tell you its likely inconclusive and say you should

have it removed. Then like SOOOO many others, you'll think

oh, drs. they know what they're doing, and agree to the

thyroidectomy. You run the risk of the surgeon damaging your

vocal nerves...how many KNOW this little tidbit?

Then ...when the pathology reports come back on your thyroid

it will most likely say INCONCLUSIVE> you will be THYROIDLESS

and your dr. will still have his. They will want to put you on

terribly inadequate amounts of synthetic thyroid hormone (syncrap)

after your surgery and as your life declines because the dr. isnt

listening to your cries of hypo-ness.... they'll tell you its in your

head, Rx antidepressants, for your aches and pains they'll tell you

its arthritis...EVERYTHING EXCEPT what your body REALLY needs:

THYROID HOROMONES.

I suggest you find a good general practioner knoweldgeable in

ARMOUR. You are probably HYPOthyroid. You more than likely

need thyroid hormones.

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com

Michigan

>

> Hi, conniemconehead -

>

> Most likely, the endo will do FNA (needle biopsy) to decide if

it is cancerous. If so, or if it is inconclusive, they will want to

remove your thyroid and treat with RAI if it is thyca.

> Some people here have shrunk their cysts with Iodoral,

supporting nutrients, and Armour. Hopefully they will weigh in here.

I may have missed other answers as I've been away and I'm tryng to

catch up.

> I don't know why your symptoms fluctuate - could it be that you are

hyperthyroid and then hypo? I don't know enough about that to be

sure, but I have read other's comments. Perhaps you could join the

NaturalThyroidHormone group and ask there?

> I'm a thyroid cancer survivor who had TT and 17 years later, RAI,

but I might do it differently today. Things just aren't the same

without a thyroid gland.

> Best to you,

> in OH - 42 year thycan, hypoparathyroidism

>

> cysts and lesions on thyroid ultrasound - what

would cause this?

>

>

> I started having a choking feeling and first thought it was

reflux.

> But treatment for this did not help at all. Realized the feeling

was

> around my thyroid. Thyroid testing was " normal " . PCP ordered an

> ultrasound, which showed cysts and lesions in my thyroid. I have

an

> appt with an endocrinologist on Fri. What is this doctor likely

to do

> from this point forward? I think my thyroid function fluctuates

> some ... sometimes I feel a bit hyperthyroid and sometimes more

> sluggish. Anyone else have experiences like this? I am now

taking

> iodoral, just started and feel some better.

>

> Thank you for any advice you have.

>

[Guest guest]

I can't help but comment about this. This exact thing happened to me. I

went for a routine checkup and they found my thyroid cyst/nodule

whatever. I had RAI testing. I have no idea what that told them and then

the biopsy. It was inconclusive and they recommended a thyroidectomy. I

was so upset. I called a friend absolutely distraught and her comment

was, " Honey, you know if it was the doctors testicles that were

inconclusive, I suspect he wouldn't be so quick to cut to the

chase " . After I picked myself up from the floor from laughing so

hard, I had a completely different perspective. I saw another doctor, who

did another biopsy, pronounced me benign and put me on thyroid meds. That

was 15 years ago. That experience certainly brought home the importance

of a second opinion.

Irene

At 03:01 PM 1/25/2008, you wrote:

What they probably will do is

rush you through a series

of tests, biopsies of your thyroid...and in the end

tell you its likely inconclusive and say you should

have it removed. Then like SOOOO many others, you'll think

oh, drs. they know what they're doing, and agree to the

thyroidectomy. You run the risk of the surgeon damaging your

vocal nerves...how many KNOW this little tidbit?

Then ...when the pathology reports come back on your thyroid

it will most likely say INCONCLUSIVE> you will be THYROIDLESS

and your dr. will still have his. They will want to put you on

terribly inadequate amounts of synthetic thyroid hormone (syncrap)

after your surgery and as your life declines because the dr. isnt

listening to your cries of hypo-ness.... they'll tell you its in your

head, Rx antidepressants, for your aches and pains they'll tell you

its arthritis...EVERYTHING EXCEPT what your body REALLY needs:

THYROID HOROMONES.

I suggest you find a good general practioner knoweldgeable in

ARMOUR. You are probably HYPOthyroid. You more than likely

need thyroid hormones.

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com

Michigan

>

> Hi, conniemconehead -

>

> Most likely, the endo will do FNA (needle biopsy) to decide if

it is cancerous. If so, or if it is inconclusive, they will want to

remove your thyroid and treat with RAI if it is thyca.

> Some people here have shrunk their cysts with Iodoral,

supporting nutrients, and Armour. Hopefully they will weigh in here.

I may have missed other answers as I've been away and I'm tryng to

catch up.

> I don't know why your symptoms fluctuate - could it be that you are

hyperthyroid and then hypo? I don't know enough about that to be

sure, but I have read other's comments. Perhaps you could join the

NaturalThyroidHormone group and ask there?

> I'm a thyroid cancer survivor who had TT and 17 years later, RAI,

but I might do it differently today. Things just aren't the same

without a thyroid gland.

> Best to you,

> in OH - 42 year thycan, hypoparathyroidism

>

> cysts and lesions on thyroid ultrasound - what

would cause this?

>

>

> I started having a choking feeling and first thought it was

reflux.

> But treatment for this did not help at all. Realized the feeling

was

> around my thyroid. Thyroid testing was " normal " . PCP ordered an

> ultrasound, which showed cysts and lesions in my thyroid. I have

an

> appt with an endocrinologist on Fri. What is this doctor likely

to do

> from this point forward? I think my thyroid function fluctuates

> some ... sometimes I feel a bit hyperthyroid and sometimes more

> sluggish. Anyone else have experiences like this? I am now

taking

> iodoral, just started and feel some better.

>

> Thank you for any advice you have.

>

[Guest guest]

Oh no, OMG! I did see the endo today and she said exactly what you

all said!! She said I have several tiny cysts in my thyroid. Then

said I had a larger one, 10mm (?)on the right. If I am correct on

the size, the one larger one is exactly on the borderline of where

they decide whether or not to do a biopsy. So said she would call

the radiologist to see if he thought he could do a good biopsy given

the location.

OK - then she notices that I am taking Ioradol and she says that

absolutely I need to go OFF of it because it can cause hypothyroidism

and swelling of the thyroid.

I am on very low dose of armour ... on the advice of a " functional "

medicine doc who ran a series of labs, etc geared to maximizing my

general health ... said my thyroid was on the low side and I had

explained my weight gain and metabolism in the gutter and he said it

may help. So have been on that since Oct with no real difference.

So the endo wanted to run tests again today and of course ran the

typical tests. Not the ones the functional medicine doc ran. And

made a comment about the armour. I told her that I had done my

homework on this and wanted to use this.

Meanwhile, I have had a lab appointment set up with the functional

medicine doc for next week to repeat all tests I had previously had,

including the thyroid testing. So I believe I will go ahead with

that to see what it shows. I will have 2 doctors working on this.

So, opinions please - what should I do about the Iodoral? I am just

now getting into this and there is so much to learn. I have been on

Iodoral for several years ... an alternative practitioner put me on

it as she believes everyone is lacking iodine.

The endo says that what is probably happening is my thyroid is

failing and the swelling is indictative of an eventual complete

failure. Said if the biopsy comes back OK she could give higher

doses of thyroid med to shrink it.

I can see many of you have been there done that and I am eager to

learn from your experiences. Any comments, suggestions, advice on

what direction I should head?

BTW, I had stage 1 breast cancer 2 years ago and a lumpectomy and

radiation. Endo says radiation could have contributed to all this.

ASked if they shielded my thyroid. I said I have no idea and I never

remember having any sort of shield or anything. Why in the hell

would they not shield this gland if there is a chance that radiation

could harm it? Just another example of the incompetence in the

medical profession. I do not trust doctors - I have been burned

several times before. I had a raging case of Lyme Disease which

undiagnosed and untreated for several years because Lyme isn't in

ticks in my state. After losing several years of my life to severe

illness, I finally found a doc to test and treat and I did well. I

still get extremely anxious when I see a doctor, but it is a

necessary evil. I would believe other patients over doctors any day.

Thanks all for listening!

Connie

BTW, is there a website anywhere that lists endos or other doctors

who believe in these alternative practices?

>

>

> I have been both hyper and hypo with a low TSH which consigned me

to a special section of hell.

> I was hypo all my childhood (chubby, brain fogged, frequent

infections like encephalitis and spinal meningitis at the same time!,

lots of antibiotics), then supposedly hyper as a young adult.

Treatment for that was partial thyroidectomy and no meds b/c of TSH

which left me sick for 30 years, until I got a computer and started

treating myself.

> It is clear to me that both hyper and hypo=iodine deficiency and

that's where a person should start. Cysts and lesions definately

means iodine deficiency too.

> Gracia

>

>

> Hi, conniemconehead -

>

> Most likely, the endo will do FNA (needle biopsy) to decide

if it is cancerous. If so, or if it is inconclusive, they will want

to remove your thyroid and treat with RAI if it is thyca.

> Some people here have shrunk their cysts with Iodoral,

supporting nutrients, and Armour. Hopefully they will weigh in here.

I may have missed other answers as I've been away and I'm tryng to

catch up.

> I don't know why your symptoms fluctuate - could it be that you

are hyperthyroid and then hypo? I don't know enough about that to be

sure, but I have read other's comments. Perhaps you could join the

NaturalThyroidHormone group and ask there?

> I'm a thyroid cancer survivor who had TT and 17 years later, RAI,

but I might do it differently today. Things just aren't the same

without a thyroid gland.

> Best to you,

> in OH - 42 year thycan, hypoparathyroidism

>

> cysts and lesions on thyroid ultrasound -

what would cause this?

>

>

> I started having a choking feeling and first thought it was

reflux.

> But treatment for this did not help at all. Realized the

feeling was

> around my thyroid. Thyroid testing was " normal " . PCP ordered

an

> ultrasound, which showed cysts and lesions in my thyroid. I

have an

> appt with an endocrinologist on Fri. What is this doctor

likely to do

> from this point forward? I think my thyroid function

fluctuates

> some ... sometimes I feel a bit hyperthyroid and sometimes more

> sluggish. Anyone else have experiences like this? I am now

taking

> iodoral, just started and feel some better.

>

> Thank you for any advice you have.

>

>

>

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------

----------

>

>

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.10/1241 - Release Date:

1/24/2008 9:58 AM

>

[Guest guest]

The human body walls off possible cancerous growths so they do not

metastcize (spread). When a doc does a biopsy, the growth is pierced

and the cancer then metasticizes.

Docs like to buy new expensive cars, put their kids thru expensive

colleges, etc. Scaring people into getting biopsies, then cutting out

& /or irradiating & /or dosing with poisonous chemo is just their way of

earning $$ for their opulent lifestyle.

I sure would not let the docs do a biopsy. I would then look into

all the possible ways I could deal with the problem without losing my

thyroid (and my health) in the process. Surgery, chemo, and

radiation should be a last resort, not the first method to fight any

possible cancerous problem.

Alobar

On 1/25/08, perennialgardener2003 <perennialgardener2003@...> wrote:

> What they probably will do is rush you through a series

> of tests, biopsies of your thyroid...and in the end

> tell you its likely inconclusive and say you should

> have it removed. Then like SOOOO many others, you'll think

> oh, drs. they know what they're doing, and agree to the

> thyroidectomy. You run the risk of the surgeon damaging your

> vocal nerves...how many KNOW this little tidbit?

>

> Then ...when the pathology reports come back on your thyroid

> it will most likely say INCONCLUSIVE> you will be THYROIDLESS

> and your dr. will still have his. They will want to put you on

> terribly inadequate amounts of synthetic thyroid hormone (syncrap)

> after your surgery and as your life declines because the dr. isnt

> listening to your cries of hypo-ness.... they'll tell you its in your

> head, Rx antidepressants, for your aches and pains they'll tell you

> its arthritis...EVERYTHING EXCEPT what your body REALLY needs:

> THYROID HOROMONES.

>

> I suggest you find a good general practioner knoweldgeable in

> ARMOUR. You are probably HYPOthyroid. You more than likely

> need thyroid hormones.

>

> www.stopthethyroidmadness.com

>

> Michigan

>

[Guest guest]

When I was a kid, my mother's uncle developed a huge lump on his back

when he was in his 70s. I never saw him with his shirt off, but it

looked like he had half a football under his shirt.

He asked his son-in-law (who was the first " health nut " I had ever

met) what he suggested. My cousin asked if the lump hurt, did it

cause any problems. When my uncle said it caused no problems, he was

advised to just let it be. So he did.

The lump began to shrink in his mid-80s. My uncle lived to be 93, and

did not die of cancer. After he died, the docs did an autopsy,

declared the lump to be cancerous. They were amazed when they were

told my uncle had had this growth for at least 20 years.

My cousin told the docs that when cancers are biopsied, cancer spreads

rapidly. The docs did not want to hear this.

Alobar

On 1/25/08, Alobar <alobar@...> wrote:

> The human body walls off possible cancerous growths so they do not

> metastcize (spread). When a doc does a biopsy, the growth is pierced

> and the cancer then metasticizes.

[Guest guest]

Alobar,

Thanks for sharing about your uncle.

It reminds me of a friend who's dad had a lump on his back.

His daughter saw it and got really worried and told him to

get it checked out. The doctor who had been looking at it for years

before then looked at it again and when he saw that the growth had

sprung vessels on it, he got concerned. So they cut it out and I

guess it spread to his brain and he was gone in no time.

I don't think all cancers can be walled off by the body but the part

about biopsying makes a lot of sense.

phine

>

> When I was a kid, my mother's uncle developed a huge lump on his back

> when he was in his 70s.

[Guest guest]

>>Oh no, OMG! I did see the endo today and she said exactly what you all said!! She said I have several tiny cysts in my thyroid. Then said I had a larger one, 10mm (?)on the right. If I am correct on the size, the one larger one is exactly on the borderline of where they decide whether or not to do a biopsy. So said she would call the radiologist to see if he thought he could do a good biopsy given the location.>>

Have to also add my 2 cents (I haven't posted in a long time, but this really gets to me!): I've been living with an enlarged, multinodular thyroid for years. I get an ultrasound every 6-8 months, rather than a biopsy. After about 1 year on Iodoral, it is shrinking. I also take Vitamin A, sometimes in large amounts (100,000+) for a week or two. At times, I dab either Lugol's or Povidone or Nascent Iodine directly on my thyroid. Last ultrasound showed that the gland is shrinking and so are the nodules. I didn't want a biopsy and luckily my doc went along with me.

With thyroid, there is no hard and fast rule....you have to see what works for you, physically and mentally.

>>BTW, I had stage 1 breast cancer 2 years ago and a lumpectomy and radiation. Endo says radiation could have contributed to all this. ASked if they shielded my thyroid. I said I have no idea and I never remember having any sort of shield or anything. Why in the hell would they not shield this gland if there is a chance that radiation could harm it? >>

All the more reason to stay on Iodoral, but that's a personal choice. Have you seen the info at breastcancerchoices.org on breast cancer and iodine? It's worth a look. Also you can post to the Amazon group there and ask how to find out more about the radiation and its effects....you can prob check with the radiologist who did the work and see what precautions they took. My sense is that they prob did protect your thyroid, as it is a known risk.

I would also go for a second opinion, as this doc doesn't sound all that patient friendly, giving out dire warnings and bad advice.

Dahlia

[Guest guest]

Thank you Dahlia!

May I ask - what type and how much iodine are you taking?

At one time a alternative PCP told me to take 4 Iodoral a day, 2 in

the morning and 2 in the evening. Then after a couple of months, I

came down to 1 a day.

Also, do you take Armour on synthyroid or anything like that? Is it

safe to take iodine with these drugs? I am currently taking a low

dose of Armour ... but the doc did more testing. I told her all

about my continuing symptoms, etc.

2 years ago I weighed 160 pounds (I'm 5'10 " ) Once I was abruptly

taken off HRT at the time I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I

started with horrible hot flashes, etc and started packing on the

pounds. Now up a little over 200. In spite of 5 days a week at the

Y with a very aggressive workout and watching my diet. Very

frustrating!! Guess I would be 500 pounds by now if I didn't do what

I do. The endo said I have a double whammy with estrogen reduction

plus this thyroid thing. But to me it means my thyroid is not

working well and she needs to treat by symptoms. My time with her

may be limited and I will see what the other doc says once I have

testing next week.

I very much need to quickly educate myself on the ins and outs of the

various T hormones, t4, etc. Endo seems to be basing my medication

on just 1 reading as the only test she did on Fri was TSH. Said my

levels are fine based on recent readings. BUT I AM OBVIOUSLY STILL

HYPOTHYROID!! Anyone who can point me to a comprehensive source

which explains all this would be very helpful!

THank you

>

>

> >>Oh no, OMG! I did see the endo today and she said exactly what

you

> all said!! She said I have several tiny cysts in my thyroid. Then

> said I had a larger one, 10mm (?)on the right. If I am correct on

> the size, the one larger one is exactly on the borderline of where

> they decide whether or not to do a biopsy. So said she would call

> the radiologist to see if he thought he could do a good biopsy

given

> the location.>>

>

> Have to also add my 2 cents (I haven't posted in a long time, but

this

> really gets to me!): I've been living with an enlarged,

multinodular

> thyroid for years. I get an ultrasound every 6-8 months, rather

than a

> biopsy. After about 1 year on Iodoral, it is shrinking. I also

take

> Vitamin A, sometimes in large amounts (100,000+) for a week or

two. At

> times, I dab either Lugol's or Povidone or Nascent Iodine directly

on my

> thyroid. Last ultrasound showed that the gland is shrinking and so

are

> the nodules. I didn't want a biopsy and luckily my doc went along

with

> me.

>

> With thyroid, there is no hard and fast rule....you have to see what

> works for you, physically and mentally.

>

> >>BTW, I had stage 1 breast cancer 2 years ago and a lumpectomy and

> radiation. Endo says radiation could have contributed to all this.

> ASked if they shielded my thyroid. I said I have no idea and I

never

> remember having any sort of shield or anything. Why in the hell

> would they not shield this gland if there is a chance that

radiation

> could harm it? >>

>

> All the more reason to stay on Iodoral, but that's a personal

choice.

> Have you seen the info at breastcancerchoices.org on breast cancer

and

> iodine? It's worth a look. Also you can post to the Amazon group

there

> and ask how to find out more about the radiation and its

effects....you

> can prob check with the radiologist who did the work and see what

> precautions they took. My sense is that they prob did protect your

> thyroid, as it is a known risk.

>

> I would also go for a second opinion, as this doc doesn't sound all

that

> patient friendly, giving out dire warnings and bad advice.

>

> Dahlia

>

[Guest guest]

> >>I very much need to quickly educate myself on the ins and outs of the various T hormones, t4, etc. Endo seems to be basing my medication on just 1 reading as the only test she did on Fri was TSH. Said my levels are fine based on recent readings. BUT I AM OBVIOUSLY STILL HYPOTHYROID!! Anyone who can point me to a comprehensive source which explains all this would be very helpful!>

You may want to check out www.sttm.com (stop the thyroid madness). First lesson:

if your doc tests your thyroid using only the TSH test, get another doc. Really. TSH is a pituitary hormone and as such, while regulative in the production of thyroid hormones, not a key to thyroid function or thyroid wellness, let alone patient wellness. The folks at sttm suggest free t4 (normal range) and free t3 (upper third of range). Also body temps, both basal and the three times a day method advocated by Dr. Bruce Rind (www.drrind.com), where you can read about this method and download a temp graph, are said to be useful in treating thyroid disease. You can also google Broda and read what he has to say on treatment.

>May I ask - what type and how much iodine are you taking?>

Currently, I swab iodine on my thyroid a few times a week and also take 25 mg Iodoral, planning to use 50, or perhaps slightly higher. What you do depends on your reactions and also if you have Hashi's antibodies. Have you read the files section on this website? You ought to. There is also a listing of iodine literate doctors here. >Also, do you take Armour on synthyroid or anything like that? Is it safe to take iodine with these drugs? I am currently taking a low dose of Armour ... but the doc did more testing. I told her all about my continuing symptoms, etc.>

Yes, I take Armour. Some say a low dose of any thyroid drug is worse than no drug at all as it partially suppresses the thyroid but the low dose is not compensating for this lowered output of thyroid hormone by the thyroid.

Sounds like you need another doctor to treat you. You might also check out Shomon's list of 'Top Docs'. Sttm may also have a listing, not sure about this.

Also as I suggested in my previous email, go to www.breastcancerchoices.org and check out their research and files section for the known association between iodine and breast cancer.

Good luck,

Dahlia