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Original poster

Remember my thread about my dad having a lump on his thyroid?

20 replies

loopylou6 · 15/05/2009 12:26

Well he had his scan and the sonographer said she wasn't at all suspicious about the lump, but obviously he would probably need further investigation. We all felt alot better after that, but today my dad has been the docs and he has said that 'he doesn't know what it is, and not to worry, but he is going to put it through as an urgent and has sent him to a ENT specialist hospital. Now of course, we are all very worried again. The lady who did the scan said she wasn't suspicious, so why is the GP putting his appointment as an urgent?

OP posts:
Tidey · 15/05/2009 12:28

Try not to immediately assume the worst. If no-one's sure what it is, it's best that it's dealt with quickly to set all of your minds to rest.

Original poster
loopylou6 · 15/05/2009 12:30

Thats the thing though the sonographer said she found nothing to make her suspicious, so why the urgent referral

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CCJD · 15/05/2009 17:19

I had my thyroid's scanned about a year ago as they were doing tests to check it's functioning. Anyhow they did find "nodules" in my glands (a number of little lumps) but there are differences between these - "hot" ones are dangerous, "cold" ones are not. I had cold nodules and the sonographer was able to tell this. I was still sent to the "thyroid" man at the hospital by my doctor to rubber stamp this diagnosis which he did (along with telling me I needed to loose 2 stone in weight - thanks for that AGAIN - I know).
Dont know why the GP has referred this as urgent but dont panic too much before you have to - cold nodules are very common and many people have them- just dont know becuase they dont have their thyroid scanned. Was told they would only do anything about mine if they became bigger and could be seen from the outside.

Original poster
loopylou6 · 15/05/2009 20:20

thanks CCJD

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SoupDragon · 15/05/2009 20:29

The GP won't be as knowledgeable (he's not a specialist) and I would imagine that all referrals for lumps get sent through as urgent.

Original poster
loopylou6 · 15/05/2009 21:05

his original referral was not an urgent though, he has his scan and the sonographer said she wasnt suspicious, the urgent came from his gp today

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fizzyanddizzy · 16/05/2009 02:15

Ah was just thinking about you! Glad the scan went well. Are you sure it's ENT they are referring him to. I would have expected a referral to endocrinology if they were worried about his thyroid. Sounds more like the GP genuinely just doesn't know and the urgent is because he has already had to wait for bloomin ages. Honest. sounds ok to me!!!

NotQuiteCockney · 16/05/2009 11:10

Maybe the GP has other results that worries him? I don't think a sonographer would lie, anyway.

Original poster
loopylou6 · 16/05/2009 11:36

Thanks so much for the reply's, i really appreciate it

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Original poster
loopylou6 · 16/05/2009 12:07

Fizzy i have just googled endocrinology (lol i didn't have a clue what it meant) and that might explain why he is being sent to a different hospital as maybe that is the only hospital with that type of specialty?

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fizzyanddizzy · 16/05/2009 21:37

Is it endocrinology they are referring him to then or ENT? did the sonographer say anything at all about what the lump was?

Original poster
loopylou6 · 16/05/2009 21:41

Hi Fizzy, i am not sure where they are referring him, but it is not our local hospital, so i am assuming the place he is being sent to is because it has a specialist unit like the thing you said.]

The sonographer said she didn't see anything at all suspicious about the lump, but of course with the urgent referral,my dad is now worrying that the lady was just trying to make him feel better.

Are you a medical person Fizzy?

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Original poster
loopylou6 · 16/05/2009 21:42

Although, she was professional enough to say that another lump he found in his neck was perfectly fine after she put the scanner over it.

OP posts:
fizzyanddizzy · 17/05/2009 08:02

Hi Loopylou.
No I am not a medical person - just spent a lot of time in hospitals! I dont think the sonographer would have said anything if she was concerned so I would genuinely try not to worry. It is standard to refer onto to the consultant following the scan so nothing about what your dad was told sounds urgent.

Pheebe · 17/05/2009 08:44

Actually it sounds to like your GP was trying to help your dad by getting him seen quickly so you can put it all behind you. Try and see it as a good thing. GP doesn't want you all hanging on for weeks for the all clear.

Original poster
loopylou6 · 17/05/2009 10:20

Aww thanks Fizzy

Pheebe, that is what i was hoping

Thanks everyone for all your comments, i cant tell you how much it helps us.

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Original poster
loopylou6 · 25/06/2009 18:56

Update.

My dad had his biopsy on monday, saw his consultant on wednesday and it just a cyst we are soooooo relieved.

OP posts:
fizzyanddizzy · 25/06/2009 20:54

Seeeeee! Am delighted for you x

mousemole · 26/06/2009 09:33

oh thats great. Enjoy your weekend and truly relax with this good news.

Original poster
loopylou6 · 26/06/2009 11:16

thank you fizzy and mouse xx

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