Hi, i was just diagnosed with hashimotos thyroditis and hypothyroidism. I was wondering if it could cause some swollen lymph nodes? I have some swollen lymph nodes in my groin area and my neck area. I talked to my dr. about so many things today and I forgot to ask about that. Thanks! Carisa
IME, the phrase, "chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis" generally refers to lymphocytes invading thyroid tissue, as occurs in Hashi's.
Most of the medical authorities I have checked do not list swelling of other lymph nodes as a typical symptom of uncomplicated Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.
However, many infections & conditions can cause those lymphies to swell, and as we so well know, Hashi's does predispose us to acquiring infections, bugs, etc. that could be to blame. Lymph node swellings are fairly common where Hashi's is complicated by adrenal malfunction & chronic fatigue syndrome. So, from my perspective, the swollen lymph nodes are likely to be a secondary -- downstream -- feature of Hashi's, rather than a primary diagnostic symptom.
IMO, you should mention your groin & neck lymph node swellings to your doc, next visit.
Oh thank you. To tell you the truth I am so worried that I have thyroid cancer. I dont' have any "nodules" on my thyroid, but my thyroid is a little swollen and achy. My doctor is pretty sure that I have hashi's and not thyroid cancer. I know that thyroid cancer is pretty rare but it still is a fear in the back of my head. It is good to know that hashis can cause swollen lymph nodes. Could it possibly be because my thyroid is irritated and slightly swollen? Carisa
Thanks very much for enlightening me, elmhar. I recently searched for a connection between the two and thought I found evidence that confirmed it. I obviously didn't understand it as well as I thought. Perhaps I found the relationship, but misunderstood the reason for it.
Carisa, you probably rationally know that it's very unlikely you have thyroid cancer, but feeling it in your heart can be more difficult. Finding support and sounding off about fears and concerns is what this board is all about. You'll be fine.
I think i might be driving my husband crazy with my fears, I just need to calm down. Rationally I do think I'm being a bit overworried, it's just so hard to calm you fears. I need to just do it though.
