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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does An Enlarged Thyroid Mean?

i chewed tobacco for almost thirty years, about two cans a day. today my dr told me my thyroid is enlarged, ordered an ultrasound, what could this mean for the next thirty years. i understand thyroid cancer isnt all that serious how concerned should i be? i am chewing at the moment
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Tue, 31 Jan 2017 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 1 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on
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Endocrinologist,  's  Response
Hello and thank you for asking!
I have gone carefully through your concern.
Tobacco is accused as the cause of many cancers, but thyroid cancer is not associated with it's use.
Rather the thyroid enlargement is caused by thyroid cancer or not, it can not be said, but the characteristics of the thyroid cancer are rapid growth, hard nodule in palpations, often is associated with lymph nodes in the neck.
The thyroid ultrasound will give information regarding to nodules number, if they are suspicious for malignancy or not and which nodule should be biopsied .
Positive family history for thyroid cancer is also a risk factor, for the enlarged thyroid to be malignant.
Wish the information will help.

Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta
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What Does An Enlarged Thyroid Mean?

Hello and thank you for asking! I have gone carefully through your concern. Tobacco is accused as the cause of many cancers, but thyroid cancer is not associated with it s use. Rather the thyroid enlargement is caused by thyroid cancer or not, it can not be said, but the characteristics of the thyroid cancer are rapid growth, hard nodule in palpations, often is associated with lymph nodes in the neck. The thyroid ultrasound will give information regarding to nodules number, if they are suspicious for malignancy or not and which nodule should be biopsied . Positive family history for thyroid cancer is also a risk factor, for the enlarged thyroid to be malignant. Wish the information will help. Best wishes, Dr.Mirjeta