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What Causes An Enlargement Of The Thyroid Gland?

Posted on Tue, 21 Mar 2017

Question: I have Almost all of the hypothyroid symptoms. My TSH, T3, T4 were within normal ranges. However my NP felt a lump and sent me for an US. It revealed an enlarged thyroid, more specifically on the right side. My NP wants to wait and see. 3 people in my family have had cancer. It feels like something is stuck in my throat and I'm constantly coughing. What are your thought?

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Some more info please:

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone carefully through your concern.
Would you please inform what type of thyroid cancer did your family members have?
Did they do genetic analysis?
Is the thyroid enlarged lately?
Will be a pleasure to help you further.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (11 hours later)

Ration point I do not know what type of thyroid cancer it was. My aunt, uncle, and cousin have all had their thyroid removed because of it though. To my knowledge nobody did genetic testing. This ultrasound of my large thyroid was just two weeks ago. I attached a copy of it as well as the two labs my doctor did. My doctor also mentioned that my calcium levels were high.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Try to find info about type of cancer;

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
A diffuse enlargement without nodules in ultrasound is not suggestive for malignancy (except of very rare cases such as lymphoma that usually is not inherited).
So, there is no need to worry for the moment.
But i would strongly recommend to find information regarding the type of the cancer your family members and relatives have, because in some cases a preventive thyroidectomy is recommended.
Meanwhile keep monitoring the thyroid gland with ultrasound every 6 months.

best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (3 hours later)

What should I do for the symptoms? Should I ask for a second opinion from an ENT instead of just my nurse practitioners word. Should I have my antibodies checked? The feeling that something is stuck in my throat drives me crazy. I cough constantly. Not to mention I've gained about 20 pounds, I get cold suddenly and for no reason at all, My hair is thinning, ugh.....

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
ENT would be needed:

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
An increase in the thyroid volume can be due to autoimmune thyroditis, so you may check the antibodies, but it will not help to relieve the symptoms because there is no treatment for it as long as the thyroid hormones are within the normal ranges.
An ENT may help, by excluding laryngeal pathologies that may cause cough ad the feeling of smth. stucking in the throat.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj