Seeking Guidance on Thyroid Symptoms – Should I Request an Ultrasound?
Hello everyone, I'm reaching out in desperation for some advice. I’m a 25-year-old female, measuring 5'9" and weighing 140 pounds, and I've been feeling unwell for about a month. I've been experiencing intense pain in my throat and neck, and if I palpate the left side of my neck, I can detect a lump. Swallowing has become painful, and my energy levels are at an all-time low; I've also been battling a low-grade fever for nearly three weeks. I tried taking antibiotics because I suspected I had issues with my lingual tonsils, but the treatment didn't yield any improvement. This all began after a visit to the emergency room due to sharp pain, which led to coughing up blood. Following that incident, I underwent a CT scan, which I suspect may have revealed a thyroid nodule that went unnoticed by the doctor, or possibly an enlarged lymph node. Unfortunately, despite multiple tests, everything came back negative. I’m overwhelmed; I've been advised by doctors that there is swelling, but they suggest a watchful waiting approach. Deep down, I know something isn't right. Over the past year, I've dealt with a plethora of unrelated symptoms including weight loss, hair thinning, severe fatigue, and unexpected fevers. Should I consider asking for an ultrasound to get a clearer picture? Or should I explore the option of a different antibiotic? I'm truly at a standstill. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your support!
Answers (1)
7/3/2025, 8:10:54 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: You’re experiencing significant symptoms related to possible thyroid issues or other neck-related problems. While a watchful waiting approach is often suggested, pursuing an ultrasound could provide clarity, especially given your ongoing symptoms.
Explanation: Your description of pain, a lump in your neck, swallowing difficulties, low energy, and persistent fever raises important concerns that deserve further investigation. Thyroid nodules and lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes) can certainly cause these symptoms, and while some conditions do improve with time, ongoing issues that impact your quality of life warrant further evaluation.
The CT scan you mentioned could have shown abnormalities; however, if it wasn’t addressed, or if you’re still feeling unwell, getting an ultrasound can provide a clearer picture of the lump and any thyroid-related issues. Ultrasounds are non-invasive and can help doctors assess the size, structure, and characteristics of any masses or nodules in your neck area.
Next Steps:
-
Request an Ultrasound: Speak with your healthcare provider about getting an ultrasound of your thyroid and the lump in your neck. This will help in understanding what's causing your symptoms and guide further treatment.
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your symptoms, including when they occur, their intensity, and any factors that seem to improve or worsen them. This can help you and your doctor in understanding the timeline and severity of your issues.
-
Review Current Medications: Avoid changing antibiotics without consulting your healthcare provider. If your symptoms persist despite treatment, discuss their effectiveness and any other potential treatment options that may be more suitable.
-
Seek a Second Opinion if Necessary: If you feel unsatisfied with the current management or if your questions remain unanswered, seeking a second opinion from an endocrinologist or specialist may provide you with new insights and options.
-
Prioritize Self-Care: In the meantime, focus on staying hydrated, eating nourishing foods, and finding ways to manage any discomfort. Gentle swallowing techniques and warm compresses may help ease throat pain.
Your concerns are valid, and taking proactive steps like requesting an ultrasound can empower you in your health journey while providing insights necessary for appropriate care.
Related Questions
Seeking Answers: Unusual Symptoms in a 17-Year-Old Girl
I'm a 17-year-old female, weighing 110 pounds and measuring 5 feet 2 inches tall. I have no notable medical history aside from occasional migraines, which I don't believe are relevant to my current concerns. Recently, I sought advice on another subreddit regarding certain symptoms I’ve been experiencing, and several users suggested that ovarian cysts might be the cause. This possibility had not crossed my mind until now, as most of my symptoms are concentrated in the upper portion of my abdomen. To provide some context, I take Pizotifen daily and use Ponstan and tranexamic acid during my menstrual cycle. My periods have always been heavy, but they were not typically irregular or extraordinary. However, over the past few months, I experienced varying symptoms: prolonged black, sticky bleeding lasting for two weeks, large blood clots, occasional urethral bleeding, and periods that fluctuated between being significantly lighter and heavier than normal—at times requiring a box of super plus tampons in a single day. One concerning incident occurred last night when I urinated and distinctly observed bright red blood, which was more than just a small amount. That being said, my primary concern lies with the visible and tangible changes I have been noticing over the past few months. All these changes are located above my belly button, and I'm unsure if cysts can form in that area. The right side of my abdomen has become completely rigid, extending from the center towards my hip, and only above my belly button. It feels like a rugged, uneven mass. In contrast, the left side remains soft enough to press down a couple of knuckles deep, while the right side resists any pressure. Particularly around my belly button and extending to the right side until my back, I can feel a pronounced, hard tube-like structure lodged inside me. This mass is immovable—it cannot be pushed or shifted, and I can feel several additional hard areas beneath my ribs, though this one stands out as the most pronounced. Furthermore, I often sense something moving up and down within my abdomen. I can detect this movement with my hands, and when I breathe deeply or draw my stomach in, I can actually see it moving. Initially located centrally, this movement has shifted more to the right and rolls over the rigid area. It feels as if two different forces are at play; the motion is slow, almost like something is tethered or navigating through a dense medium, and its size seems to vary. Additionally, inflating my lower abdomen (below the hardened section) during deep breaths has become impossible. This issue arose suddenly a few months back and was quite painful at first, although it no longer hurts. When I attempt to take deep breaths, the upper part of my stomach protrudes abnormally, resembling a balloon inflating, while the lower section remains motionless. For the past several months, I've also dealt with inconsistent constipation—resulting in only small, tic-tac sized bowel movements—and diarrhea.
Concerns About Bright Red Blood in Stool
As a 19-year-old female with no prior family history of colorectal cancer, I experienced a frightening moment today when I noticed bright red blood in my stool. The absence of pain intensifies my worry. My history includes a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) at the age of 15. At that time, I seemed to be in decent health, albeit always on the thinner side and lacking appetite. Like many, I faced some challenges during the pandemic—initially gaining weight only to lose it subsequently (my current BMI being 16). The stress during that period probably contributed, and I chose to overlook it. Last year, I began noticing certain issues like paleness, hair thinning, and fatigue, prompting a visit to the doctor for blood work. The results revealed that I was deficient in iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, which I somewhat expected given my limited exposure to sunlight. Upon starting the prescribed treatments, I noticed improvements in my hair loss and overall appearance. However, I've begun sensing that some symptoms might be re-emerging, though it could just be my anxiety talking. For the past six to seven months, I've also observed that my stool has turned lighter in color—almost a yellowish light brown—and there has been a notable presence of mucus. Initially, I attributed these changes to my IBS, but the sight of blood has shifted my perspective dramatically. The thought of cancer is terrifying, especially since I'm young and not prepared for such a diagnosis. I haven't shared this situation with my family yet, as I fear it would cause them undue stress and concern. I wonder if anyone else here has had a similar experience? I hope to find some solace before I make the decision to see a healthcare professional.
When Will Aripiprazole Show Results?
I am an 18-year-old assigned female at birth, and I began a half dose of Aripiprazole for the treatment of Tourette syndrome about a week ago. However, I have not noticed any changes so far. How long does it typically take for this medication to start showing effects? In terms of my physical stats, I weigh approximately 70 kg and stand at 160 cm tall. Alongside Aripiprazole, my current medications include Lorazepam, Venlafaxine, and Lamotrigine.
Concerns about Flesh-Eating Bacteria
I'm a 19-year-old, standing 5'4" tall and weighing 135 lbs, generally maintaining good to slightly above-average health. To my knowledge, I do not face any immune system issues. I have a long-planned trip to a lake with friends that has been in the works for several months. Recently, while out for a run, I tripped on pavement and scraped my shoulder. The abrasion is only a few inches in length and superficial, and it has started to heal with mostly dry scabs forming. I’m eager to enjoy swimming this weekend since this outing has been anticipated for such a long time, and I’m uncertain when I might have a similar opportunity. However, I've heard some discussions regarding the presence of flesh-eating bacteria in lakes. What is the level of risk associated with Lake Ontario regarding this issue? Furthermore, should I be unfortunate enough to contract it, what are the odds of facing serious health complications or even mortality?
Could I Be Infected with Mono?
I'm a 34-year-old female who recently underwent testing for mono, and I just received my lab results online. Unfortunately, my doctor is unavailable until next week, so I’m seeking some clarity regarding my results: - The EBV Ab VCA, IgM test results showed a normal level, reporting less than 36. - The EBV Ab VCA, IgG results were elevated, with a measurement of 266. - The EBV Nuclear Antigen Ab, IgG results were significantly high at over 600. With these findings, is it likely that I have mononucleosis?