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What Causes Hoarse Voice, Cough And Throat Irritation When Diagnosed With A Nodule In The Thyroid?

Posted on Tue, 31 Jul 2018

Question: I had a CT scan that shows a i cm nodule in my thyroid that I wasn’t aware was there. I have a hoarse voice, a cough=gh, and tickle in my throat and other symptoms that I wasn’t aware were signs of thyroid problems. My grandfather had Graves decease, and my mother had a pituitary problem. Both had their thyroids removed. I see an endocrinologist in a week. What are the possibilities for me?Are dry skin, hair loss, and being alternately hot and cold related to thyroid? I have had symptoms for the last four years and didn’t know what they were. How does this affect my heart? I also have a history of bowel obstructions—four in eighth months and ulcerative colitis.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
About your concern:

Detailed Answer:
Hello.and thank you for asking!
I have gone carefully through your concern.
When a nodule in thyroid is detected , there are 2 concerns ; Does the nodule produce too much hormones and cause hyperthyroidism? Is the nodule malignant?
So an ultrasound of the thyroid gland and the thyroid function ( TSH, ft4 and ft3)are needed.
If there are doubtful characteristics in ultrasound a citology ( FNA) should be done to rule out malignancy.
If the thyroid function is altered ( hypo/ hyper thyroidism is confirmed) than the symptoms you described are due to thyroid and heart complications may be caused.
So you need the above exams to give you further information about the nodule and the thyroid function.
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 (1 hour later)

Thank you four response. I’m sorry, but I don’t understand the syntax in the following sentence from your answer and therefore do not understand what you’re saying. The sentence is, “If the thyroid function is altered ( hypo/ hyper thyroidism is confirmed) than the symptoms you described are due to thyroid and heart complications may be caused.” Will you please explain, especially the heart involvement. Thank you for your assistance.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
About thyroid function;

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
The radiological examinations give information regarding to thyroid structure.
The thyroid function is checked by blood tests.
If the thyroid results to be over active (hyperthyroidism), than it may cause tachycardia and heart failure if left untreated for many years or if diagnosed too late.
The symptoms you described are suggestive for underactive thyroid ( hypothyroidism).
It can cause high lipid profile that can cause coronary arteriosclerosis.
So only radiological exams are not enough to valuate the thyroid pathologies.
TSH, FT4 and FT3 and an ultrasound is recommended for further information.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (2 hours later)

The cough and hoarse voice have worsened significantly in the last six months, and I am now having pain and trouble swallowing. Does this indicate involvement of the laryngeal nerve and/or the esophagus? I also have spasms of shortness of breath when at rest. Do both benign and malignant nodules compromise the nerve, and does it indicate that the nodule has spread beyond the thyroid into surrounding tissue?

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
About compressive symptoms;

Detailed Answer:
Yes, both benign and malignant nodules can cause compressive symptoms, but 1 cm is too small. We usually find these symptoms in large nodules (over 3 cm).

Hoarseness is a symptom of laryngeal nerve involvement in malignant nodules but very rarely a malignant nodule can be only 1 cm and has caused involvement of laryngeal nerve.

So, the cough and hoarseness can hardly be due to this nodule.

Dr.Mirjeta

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee