Thyroid Blood Test Normal, But Throat Pain Persists: What Should I Do?

Q: Thyroid Blood Test Normal, But Throat Pain Persists: What Should I Do?

Dear Cao： If there is an increase in size or symptoms, it is advisable to take action. <br>If the cyst has enlarged, aspiration for testing can be performed to reduce its size. <br>If it continues to enlarge repeatedly, surgical intervention is recommended.

Thyroid blood tests are normal, but I have a sore throat. Should I get tested again?

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and an ultrasound revealed several cysts on both sides of my thyroid (of varying sizes).
After taking medication for two months, my blood tests returned to normal, and my doctor said there was no need for concern, as the chance of recurrence was low.
Recently, I have been experiencing gastrointestinal issues, and my doctor suggested that it might be related to hypothyroidism, so I had blood tests done again, which showed normal results.
However, over the past two years, I have had occasional throat pain, and the swelling in my throat is more noticeable than before.
Eating larger pieces of bread or other foods tends to get stuck in my throat.
How should I address this? Does having normal blood test results mean I should not worry about the thyroid cysts? In the past, during the ultrasound examination, the doctor did not perform a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
Given that two years have passed, should I undergo another ultrasound and possibly a biopsy?

Cao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/24

Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid

Dear Cao: If there is an increase in size or symptoms, it is advisable to take action.
If the cyst has enlarged, aspiration for testing can be performed to reduce its size.
If it continues to enlarge repeatedly, surgical intervention is recommended.

Reply Date: 2016/02/24

More Info

When dealing with thyroid issues, particularly after a history of hyperthyroidism and the presence of multiple cysts, it is understandable to have concerns about ongoing throat pain and the implications of your recent blood tests. Given your situation, let's break down the key points and provide guidance on what steps you might consider taking.

Firstly, it's important to note that while your recent thyroid blood tests have returned to normal levels, this does not entirely rule out the possibility of complications related to the cysts or other thyroid-related issues. Thyroid cysts are common and often benign, but they can sometimes cause discomfort or symptoms if they grow large enough to exert pressure on surrounding structures, such as the esophagus or trachea. The fact that you are experiencing throat pain and a sensation of food getting stuck could be indicative of this pressure.

Your history of hyperthyroidism and the presence of cysts necessitate a careful approach. Although your doctor has indicated that the risk of recurrence is low and that your blood tests are normal, persistent symptoms warrant further investigation. Here are some steps you might consider:
1. Consultation with an Endocrinologist: Since you have a history of thyroid issues, it would be prudent to consult with an endocrinologist. They can provide specialized insight into your thyroid health and assess whether the cysts require further evaluation.

2. Ultrasound Examination: Given that it has been two years since your last ultrasound, it would be advisable to have another ultrasound of the thyroid. This imaging can help determine if there have been any changes in the size or characteristics of the cysts. If any cysts have enlarged or if new ones have developed, this could explain your symptoms.

3. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy: If the ultrasound reveals any concerning features, such as solid components within the cysts or significant growth, your doctor may recommend a fine needle aspiration biopsy. This procedure can help determine whether the cysts are benign or if further intervention is necessary.

4. Symptom Management: In the meantime, managing your symptoms is important. If you find that certain foods exacerbate your throat pain, consider modifying your diet to include softer foods that are easier to swallow. Staying hydrated and avoiding irritants such as spicy or acidic foods may also help alleviate discomfort.

5. Monitoring and Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are essential. They can monitor your symptoms and adjust your management plan as needed. If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.

6. Thyroid Function Monitoring: Even though your recent blood tests are normal, it may be beneficial to continue monitoring your thyroid function periodically, especially given your history of thyroid disease. This can help catch any potential issues early.

In summary, while normal thyroid blood tests are reassuring, your ongoing throat pain and the presence of cysts warrant further evaluation. A follow-up ultrasound and possibly a consultation with an endocrinologist would be prudent steps to ensure that your thyroid health is being adequately monitored and managed. Always communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your symptoms and concerns, as they are best equipped to guide you through your specific situation.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Subacute Thyroiditis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing throat and neck pain for a month, radiating to my neck, jaw, and the sides, with a body temperature ranging from 36.9 to 37.2°C (I feel pain occasionally when swallowing, but I can eat and speak normally). I visited an ENT specialist who per...

Dr. Yuan Tianmin reply Breast and Thyroid
1. Can the Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibody (Anti-Tg Ab) levels be elevated? Does subacute thyroiditis also cause an increase? Yes, subacute thyroiditis can lead to elevated levels. 2. If one wants to confirm that elevated Anti-Thyroglobulin Ab is related to a specific thyroid diseas...

Understanding Hypothyroidism, Thyroid Nodules, and Throat Discomfort

Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about my health. During my health check-up in October 2019, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and thyroid nodules: A) 0.3 x 0.4 cm, B) 0.2 x 0.4 cm, C) 0.5 x 0.8 cm (suspected). I started treatment with Levothyroxine that same month, curren...

Dr. Yuan Tianmin reply Breast and Thyroid
If you have already been undergoing follow-up examinations for your thyroid at a specialized clinic, you should ask your attending physician about your current condition, as they will have a better understanding of your situation than I do.

Understanding Your Thyroid Test Results: What Do They Mean?

I had a thyroid blood test two days ago, and the results are as follows: Serum T3: 195.9 (70-170), Serum T4: 11.17 (4.9-12.0), TSH: 3.447 (0.34-5.60). This is the first time I have encountered such a situation. Compared to previous results, all three values have increased, but T4...

Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Currently, there are no significant abnormalities in thyroid function, and treatment is not necessary at this time. Follow-up in three months is recommended.

Understanding Thyroid Issues: Symptoms, Tests, and Next Steps

Hello, I would like to ask about frequently feeling discomfort and pain in my throat, often feeling very fatigued even with normal sleep, and experiencing a significant decrease in menstrual flow over the past three months. Given these issues, I am concerned about the possibility...

Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Simple goiter does not cause the described issues. If there is hypothyroidism, fatigue may occur, but menstruation generally does not decrease; instead, it may be excessive. If there are still concerns about thyroid disease, a consultation with an endocrinologist is recommended.