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Suggest Treatment For Stiff Neck, Trouble Swallowing, Weakness And Constant Headaches

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Posted on Mon, 27 Apr 2015
Question: I was diagnosed with thyroid nodules after an ultrasound about 2 weeks ago. My stiff neck, trouble swallowing, weakness and headaches are constant but my appointment to get a needle biopsy isn't for another month. Should I try to get in sooner?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Monish De (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Do a thyroid function test.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Since you are diagnosed with thyroid nodules after ultrasound and you are having stiff neck, trouble swallowing and weakness i would advise you to do tests that measure blood levels of thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones produced by your thyroid gland and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which is released by your pituitary gland, as these can indicate whether your thyroid is producing too much thyroxine (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism).

Chances that a nodule is malignant are small. A person is at higher risk if you have a family history of thyroid or other endocrine cancers and are younger than 30 or older than 60, are a man, or have a history of radiation exposure, particularly to the head and neck.

A nodule that is large and hard or causes pain or discomfort is more worrisome in terms of malignancy.

If the above blood test come out as abnormal then you must not delay for a month and do a FNA biopsy immediately to help distinguish between benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

Regards

DR DE
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Monish De (11 hours later)
From what I can tell with my blood work on my thyroid levels were normal. The report said multi- nodules on both sides and one on the left side 1cm and solid. It does not appear sore to the touch just stiff neck all around.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Monish De (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You may need a course of antibiotic

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Since your thyroid function tests are normal and the nodules does not appear sore to touch, i do not think you have got any chance of thyroid cancer and the nodules are benign in nature.

Since you are having weakness and trouble swallowing, I would advise you to take tablet levoflox 500 mg once daily after food for 5 days after consulting your doctor.

If you have no more clarifications then please rate the answer and close the thread.

Regards

DR DE
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Monish De (19 hours later)
What would the antibiotics be for?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Monish De (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
5 day of antibiotic will kill all the infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Since you are having weakness and difficulty swallowing sometimes these thyroid nodules could be due to inflammation and bacterial or viral infection.

A course of 5 day of antibiotic will kill all the infection and abolish all your symtoms and make the thyroid nodules to dissapear.

If you have no more clarifications then please rate the answer and close the thread.

Regards

DR DE
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Monish De

Oncologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2229 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Stiff Neck, Trouble Swallowing, Weakness And Constant Headaches

Brief Answer: Do a thyroid function test. Detailed Answer: Hi, Since you are diagnosed with thyroid nodules after ultrasound and you are having stiff neck, trouble swallowing and weakness i would advise you to do tests that measure blood levels of thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones produced by your thyroid gland and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which is released by your pituitary gland, as these can indicate whether your thyroid is producing too much thyroxine (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism). Chances that a nodule is malignant are small. A person is at higher risk if you have a family history of thyroid or other endocrine cancers and are younger than 30 or older than 60, are a man, or have a history of radiation exposure, particularly to the head and neck. A nodule that is large and hard or causes pain or discomfort is more worrisome in terms of malignancy. If the above blood test come out as abnormal then you must not delay for a month and do a FNA biopsy immediately to help distinguish between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Regards DR DE