HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Ambiguity In Chest X Ray After Full Thyroidectomy?

default
Posted on Mon, 20 Oct 2014
Question: Hi, I had thyroid cancer two years ago, had full thyroidectomy, no radio iodine treatment, doing fine now, was back at hosp for check up and they did a chest xray, this showed thickening at the top of my lungs, I was told it was nothing to worry about, but then i got another appointment for another chest xray,, 'just to keep an eye'? What does / could this mean. Im 37 year old lady, have noticed some pain down my back,,nothing too severe, otherwise in good health. thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Thyroid

Detailed Answer:
I have noted your thyroid cancer history.

Sometimes on Xray, there can be ambiguity ie lack of clarity of the exact nature of the finding. There can be 'artefacts' meaning, misleading appearances of things on Xray that give the false impression of a problem when in reality there isnt one. However, to confirm this, a repeat Xray, sometimes in a different angle is requested.

Thyroid cancer can (rarely) spread to lungs, so your doctors probably want to make sure they are not missing anything.

Further, I would like to believe you are being followed by an Endocrinologist who will periodically monitor your thyroid status with the following tests:
TSH
Free T4
Quantitative Thyroglobulin
Anti thyroglobulin antibodies
CBC
CMP
Neck Ultrasound

And more tests as indicated by results of above tests.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (6 hours later)
Thank you. Am getting most of the above tests. And yes am wit an endocrinologist. But I'm not getting the tests CBC or CMP..what are these tests.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Noted.

CBC stands for Complete Blood Count
CMP is Complete Metabolic Panel (electrolytes, calcium, glucose, liver and kidney function tests)

These are important and inexpensive tests
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

Ask a specialist now
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Pulmonologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
What Causes Ambiguity In Chest X Ray After Full Thyroidectomy?

Brief Answer: Thyroid Detailed Answer: I have noted your thyroid cancer history. Sometimes on Xray, there can be ambiguity ie lack of clarity of the exact nature of the finding. There can be 'artefacts' meaning, misleading appearances of things on Xray that give the false impression of a problem when in reality there isnt one. However, to confirm this, a repeat Xray, sometimes in a different angle is requested. Thyroid cancer can (rarely) spread to lungs, so your doctors probably want to make sure they are not missing anything. Further, I would like to believe you are being followed by an Endocrinologist who will periodically monitor your thyroid status with the following tests: TSH Free T4 Quantitative Thyroglobulin Anti thyroglobulin antibodies CBC CMP Neck Ultrasound And more tests as indicated by results of above tests.