Painless Hard Nodule Under Chin Following Thyroid Medication Adjustment
Age: 21 Height: 5’ 1” Never smoked, and I don’t consume alcohol. Medications: Levothyroxine 100 mcg (dose raised from 88 mcg in early August 2025) Medical Background: Hypothyroidism with no recent infections and no family history of cancer Duration of the Issue: Noticed the lump on September 12, 2025 (just two days ago) Details: - I have been taking levothyroxine to manage my hypothyroidism, and my medication dose was recently increased due to elevated TSH levels. - Approximately four to five weeks post-dose adjustment, I started experiencing noticeable hair thinning. - Just two days ago, I discovered a small, firm, non-movable lump beneath my chin in the upper neck area, positioned slightly to one side. - I have not experienced any symptoms such as sore throat, fever, or indications of infection. - During the same week that I found the lump, I also observed a new mole on my skin and noticed an increased craving for coffee. Inquiry: Is it possible that this lump is associated with my thyroid condition or the medication adjustment, or could it signify something more concerning, like cancer? I’m eager to understand how urgent this situation might be and whether I should seek an ultrasound promptly. Feeling a bit anxious about this! 😭
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 5:01:17 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about a new lump, especially after a recent change in your medication. Let’s break this down and provide clarity on your situation.
Main Points:
- A hard nodule under your chin after an increase in levothyroxine dosage could possibly be related to benign causes, such as a swollen lymph node or a thyroid-related issue.
- The absence of infection symptoms is reassuring, but the lump's persistence should be monitored.
- It's important to consider other changes, like new moles and increased cravings for coffee, that might suggest a need for follow-up.
Explanation:
The lump you're feeling beneath your chin is likely a lymph node, which can become enlarged due to various non-serious causes, such as a reaction to changes in hormones from your medication or even minor irritations. It’s less common for lumps caused by thyroid issues or medication adjustments to present suddenly and become noticeable so quickly.
- Thyroid connection: While levothyroxine is used to correct hormone levels in hypothyroidism, significant dose changes can cause various side effects, including changes in hair density and possibly other systemic effects.
- New mole observation: Noticing a new mole, especially combined with other changes, is worth noting but not panicking over.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor the Lump:
- Observe any changes in size, firmness, or if new symptoms develop (like pain or redness). Take notes on any significant changes.
-
Self-Care:
- Maintain a routine of consistent medication adherence. Ensure your dosage and timing are followed as prescribed to minimize hormonal fluctuations.
- Stay hydrated and practice stress-reduction techniques to help manage anxiety related to these changes.
-
Follow-Up Consideration:
- Although there’s no immediate cause for alarm, if the lump does not decrease, worsens, or if you develop additional concerning symptoms (like fever, swelling, pain), consider scheduling an ultrasound to further evaluate it.
- You can also benefit from discussing the new mole with a healthcare professional if it changes in appearance or causes concern over time.
Feel assured that most lumps are benign, and it’s wise to monitor them while also taking your hormone levels into account. If you feel any further enlargements, persistent changes, or new symptoms develop, reaching out for an evaluation would be the right approach. Remember, it’s okay to seek reassurance when you feel uncertain!
Related Questions
Semen Analysis Results: Assessing Low Motility and Vitality — Are They Temporary due to Stress?
Hello everyone, I’m a 36-year-old male and I recently received the results of my first semen analysis. I’m seeking to determine if the findings indicate a significant medical issue or if they are possibly linked to situational factors. Here’s some context that could be relevant: - I experienced considerable stress during the week the test was conducted. - My sleep quality was particularly poor the night before the test. - Since the collection took place at a clinic, I felt high levels of anxiety and minimal arousal. - Additionally, the sensation during ejaculation seemed weaker than what I normally experience. Here are the key results from the analysis: - Volume: 2.3 ml - Concentration: 30.9 million/ml - Total sperm count: approximately 71 million - Morphology: 9% (WHO reference is ≥4%) - Progressive motility: 18% (considered low) - Total motility: 36.7% (on the lower side of normal) - Vitality: 39% (low range) - No infections detected, no agglutination, and low white blood cell count The lab remarked on the presence of asthenozoospermia and necrozoospermia, indicating issues with motility and vitality. I also have some pertinent medical background: - I underwent orchidopexy as a child, resulting in one testicle being somewhat smaller while the other appears normal. - A recent urine analysis yielded normal results. - I am experiencing no pain and have shown no indications of infection. Here are my inquiries: - Is it plausible that acute stress, lack of sleep, and anxiety during the clinic visit could lead to significant reductions in motility and vitality in just one analysis? - Considering the normal sperm count and morphology, does this situation imply that the issues might be more functional or temporary rather than permanent? - Should repeating the semen analysis under more favorable conditions be the next logical step?
Is it Safe to Apply a Separated Ointment?
I have a one-month-old daughter who has been dealing with a yeast infection, for which her pediatrician recommended Miconazole cream. After finishing the first tube, I noticed some persistent red spots, prompting the doctor to prescribe another tube. However, I've noticed something concerning with this second tube; it appears to have separated. On squeezing the tube, a white cream and a clear, oily liquid resembling olive oil emerge. Should I attempt to mix the contents of the tube, or is this separation an indication of a problem? I’m unsure whether it is safe to apply this ointment. Unfortunately, my pediatrician’s office is closed for the weekend, and I've already observed that my daughter's rash is beginning to reappear after just half a day without the ointment.
Concerns Regarding My Father's Prostate MRI Results
Greetings, I'm reaching out because my father, who is 71 years old, recently underwent an ultrasound that revealed a nodule. His physician suggested an MRI for further examination, assuring us that there was no immediate cause for alarm. However, the findings indicated a PI-RADS score of 4, with a nodule measuring about 0.5 by 0.6 cm. This nodule, located in the transition zone, is non-encapsulated and poorly defined, though there are no indications of it extending beyond the prostate. His PSA level is 0.96 ng/mL and the PSA density is measured at 0.03, with the prostate’s total volume being 34cc. I find myself anxious over the PI-RADS 4 classification, as it suggests a relatively high risk for cancer, even though the PSA levels appear to be more reassuring. Thankfully, my father is asymptomatic and appears to be in good health. A follow-up appointment has already been arranged, but I’m curious—should I be concerned about any urgent implications or potential serious outcomes from this situation?
Concern Over Cystic Lesions: Seeking Clarification
Greetings, I’m a 23-year-old female recently diagnosed with adenomyosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome following an MRI examination. While I have a scheduled consultation with my doctor in a week, I find myself anxious for clarity on certain findings from the MRI report, which I am sharing below. The report indicates the presence of: - A thicc-walled cystic lesion exhibiting peripheral wall enhancement, approximately 2 by 1.6 cm in size, located in the right ovary, with noted thin internal septation and irregularities in the internal mucosal structure. - A smaller cyst, measuring about 2 cm in diameter, also in the right ovary, displaying thin internal septation. My primary concern regards the thick-walled cystic lesion: could it be benign, or should I be alarmed, indicating a need for further evaluation by my gynecologist? I understand that smaller cysts are generally not a cause for concern, but I wonder if this applies only to those that are uniformly shaped and possess thinner walls. The MRI was performed to evaluate potential endometriosis. A previous transvaginal ultrasound ruled out deep infiltrating endometriosis, prompting the MRI to ensure no abnormalities were overlooked, especially given that my calprotectin level was significantly elevated at over 1000, despite a colonoscopy revealing no signs of inflammation, along with reports of resistance detected externally from the colon suggesting the possibility of endometriosis. While I await my appointment, I would greatly appreciate any insights into these findings. Moreover, the MRI results also highlighted mild pelvic congestion and a small amount of free fluid in the pouch of Douglas (POD). --- Background Health Issues: I experience postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTs) and chronic hypotension.
Can Blood Test Results Be Inaccurate?
Background: 23, Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) I undergo testosterone cypionate injections on a weekly basis. As a trans man, I have been receiving testosterone therapy for four years. Recently, I switched to a new hormone specialist and underwent blood testing with him. Historically, my testosterone levels have typically fluctuated between 400 to 600 ng/dL. However, the results from my recent test showed a concerning level of only 67 ng/dL. I have been diligent about my injections, although I did miss one month a few months back due to mental health challenges. Is it possible for testosterone levels to fall so drastically after just a month without a shot? I had the test done six days following my latest injection. I'm left wondering if this level drop is plausible or if it could indicate a mistake in the lab results.