Advice please

Hello,
If you've had cancer before, it's natural to lean towards assuming the worst whenever there's a lump or bump. You are clearly highly aware of changes in your body which has to be a good thing.

The other good thing - if such things can be said - about thyroid lumps is that they tend to grow VERY slowly.  It's not unusual for people to be monitored for years before getting surgery and often if people are diagnosed during pregnancy (which is more common than you might imagine), surgery and treatment are often put off until after birth or later in the pregnancy. Why do I mention that? Just to say that a week here or there is unlikely to be of impact. That said, getting things seen asap is good for the soul and the anxiety.

Private insurance varies a lot. If you've got a good policy that doesn't rely on you being referred by your GP first, I'd give them a call and talk it through with them. I had AXA PPP and BUPA and both were really great for discussing things and getting tests done. If you're not familiar with the rules of your plan, give them a call. 

Ultrasound is only step one. Usually, it's used to determine whether you need step two - fine needle aspiration. If you have a monster lump like I did, you can skip straight to step two. Fun! Even step two isn't guaranteed to tell you if you do or don't have cancer. 

I'd also suggest to be ready to tell the doc about any treatment you had on your breast cancer that might have contributed to damaging your thyroid. Radiation treatment can knock a thyroid out of normal behaviour. About 90% of thyroid lumps ARE NOT cancer - so, to paraphrase the Hunger Games, the odds are ever in your favour. But still, it's important to get things checked out. Not in a 'hold the front page, run to the surgery way' but don't let them fob you off for too long. 

Hello Barbara

Many thanks for your response. 

I'm usually of the mindset that I only worry when I need to worry but there is something about this that is making me more worried than I would be with an undiagnosed swelling. And my body seems to make lots of bumps so it's something I've been through more times than I would like!

I contacted Bupa and they have something called Direct Access and so have been able to give me some names of suitable consultants. I shall contact one of them tomorrow.

I didnt know that radiotherapy can affect the thyroid. I do hope that you are fully recovered from your monster lump!

Thank you for your advice and your words of comfort. I hope that it's nothing but if it is something it's better to find this out sooner rather than later.

Best wishes

Salma