Due to heterogeneity in the thyroid, found in my neck CT, I underwent an ultrasound where 3 nodules appeared in the thyroid. One with 2.1cm, another with 1.8 and the last with 0.6. I have already been diagnosed with calcified styloid, bilateral, measuring the largest 4cm. I doubt whether my symptoms (dysphonia, dysphagia, odynophagia, feeling of something stuck in the throat) are not caused by the nodules. What do you think?
I guess nobody can say unless you have surgery & see what improves, there’s no other way to tell. Certainly your symptoms could be caused by ES & members have had these… Also quite a few members have had thyroid nodules , not saying there’s a link but it does seem to be common…
1 Like
I think @Isaiah_40_31 just mentioned thyroid nodules that Dr. Hepworth didn’t feel were part of the problem and left them alone. Am I getting that right?
2 Likes
Yes, I think so too @Chrickychricky , hopefully @Isaiah_40_31 will clarify that!
1 Like
I have two calcified thyroid nodules that are close to the sizes of your two largest @Crisbr78. I recently had them fine needle biopsied to make sure they aren’t cancerous (got the all clear). When I had my IJV decompression surgery last Wed., Dr. Hepworth was concerned that one of the nodules might be contributing to my vascular compression, but thankfully it wasn’t. I’ve had both of my styloids shortened, & the left one twice (as of my surgery last week) & that has taken care of the nerve symptoms I attributed to ES. Since my thyroid nodules are benign at the moment, it’s been recommended that I leave them alone. I get an ultrasound of my thyroid every 6 months to monitor the nodules.
I agree w/ @Jules that no one can say for sure that your nodules aren’t contributing to symptoms but it would be worthwhile getting your styloids taken care of to see which symptoms subside. If you have ongoing problems 6+ months after your styloids are gone, or other things crop up w/ your thyroid, it would be worth it to look further into that then.
1 Like
I return to the head and neck doctor next week, I believe he will recommend a puncture. If it’s a benign nodule, I’ll take care of the styloids. What leaves me most in doubt is that one of my main symptoms and pain when speaking is voice failure. What do you think?? Thank you for your collaboration!!!
@Crisbr78 - vocal failure is due to irritation to the vagus nerve by your elongated styloids. We have quite a number of members & some who are professional singers who’ve had vocal failure as a symptom of ES.
Here’s a link to an older article that discusses this. You could share it with your doctor when you have your appointment next week.
2 Likes