Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Karen W. on 20/07/2009 23:56:54
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Ok,I have Hashimoto's disease and this last year they also found I had a small Goiter.. over the last year this Goiter has gotten noticeably larger more hard to swallow and a hoarse gravely voice at times hen I am exhausted...etc.. I do understand It helps with fighting off bugs etc....
I have read pro and con about the removal of a Goiter to just eliminate the possibility that it becomes Cancerous. I already take medication for life and that will not change. If they remove it I will still have to take medication for like so why chance the Cancer which I was told would eventually show up! Why take that chance.. Shouldn't I have the option to have it removed under these circumstances. You would think so!
I am just curious how the medical side of things look at that.
My readings throughout medical sites suggest the removal to avoid such chances once the Goiters are diagnosed... So What do you all think!
What are the benefits verses the pitfalls?
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From what I understand about Hashimoto's disease is that it will cause a slow destruction of your thyroid gland, which in itself it can be enough reason to remove the gland all together. However, if we are strictly speaking about the goiter, most people who have them will not have them removed IF they are small and unchanging (the goiter isn't getting any bigger/harder etc.) However, those who have goiters that are getting larger and harder have them removed because they generally continue to get worse over time via increase in size and hardness.
You really should consult with an endocrinologist about your problem. If the goiter is affecting your quality of life you may want to consider removal. My mother has lupus, which like Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder. The lupus attacked her thyroid causing a goiter and like yours. Over the years it became harder, larger and more uncomfortable. She had hers removed and has been fine since. In some cases they won't even take out your entire thyroid and they'll leave half of it. Please get a consult and discuss your options with a medical professional. They should be able to give you an idea which stage your goiter is in and whether it will continue to grow.
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I am having trouble with it as far as swallowing.. seem to have a hard time getting food down without lots of liquid and moisture.. have trouble swallowing my pills and just the Thyroid Goiter itself gets touchy and hurts to press it at times as well as when swallowing.
I will be getting some tests back tomorrow..I have multiple problems.. so I think I may worry less if this goiter were gone.. depending on benefits or weather my system can stand loosing the thyroid... I would think it would say HURRAY.. Loose that trouble maker...but you never know!
Thanks for the advice and opinion..