
What Does The Following CT Scan Of The Neck Indicate?

I am 66 years old male and was diagnosed with asthma three years ago. After taking asthma medication my respiratory problems were under control. However, recently I started having breathing problems again. This time the asthma medications did not help. CT of Neck indicated that thyroid glands had enlarged compressing trachea. Right lobe measured 7.5 x 2.4 x 2.1 cms, and left lobe was 7.5 x 2.8 x 2.4 cms, with small nodules measuring 2.2cms seen of both glands. Everything was within range in thyroid function test. The trachea is still straight and has not been bent either direction. My doctor suggested surgery to remove the glands. However, I am hesitant and want to know if there is any other non-surgical methods for my situation.
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms.
I have reviewed the attached CT scan report and images. When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
USG of the neck and thyroid
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day.
USG is a better way to study the thyroid compared with CT scan, in most situations.
I often recommend fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid nodules.
There are no effective non-surgical methods to improve your thyroid swelling. Radioactive iodine (radiation) has fallen out of favor as an option due to modest results.
Correct diagnosis and treatment requires the opportunity to examine the patient so you must see an endocrinologist in-person.


Thanks for looking into this for me.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I have read your description of the USG and other labs.
1 Safety of this surgery depends on pre-surgical assessment by an Anesthetic and general medical team of doctors who will run further tests on you as per their discretion and then decide regarding this.
2 Urgency of the operation depends on findings on physical examination by the thyroid surgeon. So an evaluation is required first by the surgeon
3 Whether or not the asthma needs to be in total control before surgery will be decided by your lung specialist (i.e Pulmonologist). Kindly consult one at the soonest

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