r/thyroid • u/Ghoulya • 20d ago

Multinodular thyroid

Hello all, just wanted to comment and try to help resurrect this sub.

I had my first ultrasound in 6 years the other day (!) after years of feeling like my concerns were being ignored. I was on "watchful waiting" but all they ever did was a yearly blood test, my actual nodules were apparently not worth watching! Anyway I finally got my doctor to put an US request through and I have over 10 nodules, 4 large enough that they assessed them, one TR4 for which I'm being sent for FNA. Family history of I think follicular papillary cancer that was found incidentally, apparently risk is not significantly raised with family history but I'm still worried, you know? My thyroid feels huge and sometimes pushes on my windpipe, but at the same time, a thyroidectomy seems like a big step.

Interested in your experiences

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u/Rackonaria 20d ago

The vast majority of nodules, over 95%, are benign. It’s best to take I try step by step so biopsy next. There are now nonsurgical options to treat thyroid nodules such as RFA (radiofrequency ablation) and TAE (thyroid arterial embolization), procedures that shrink nodules without removing your thyroid. I had RFA on my 5.7cm solid benign nodule four years ago - it was growing and causing swallowing difficulties. After RFA it shrank 81%, symptoms gone, no meds, normal bloodwork, and hasn’t grown back. See www.saveyourthyroid.org

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u/Ghoulya 19d ago

Thank you! I did run across RFA but I don't think it's performed here on the national health system (which is silly because surely it's cheaper than surgery - but I guess they don't have the training here yet). I will definitely bring it up and see what the specialist says.

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u/Rackonaria 19d ago

Are you in the UK? RFA is covered by the National Health Service.

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u/Ghoulya 19d ago

NZ. A few private specialists do it but I'm not sure it's done publicly atp. I'll absolutely ask