I don't know for sure, but I'll take a stab at it in case no one else has a definite answer.
Here's the text you wrote copied from the thread where you asked the question originally:
Quote:
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Hi - can you tell me if it's possible to have a "calcified thyroid" without a nodule? An ER doctor told me I have a "calcified thyroid" but I've been seeing an endocrinologist once a year for several years because I have hypothyroidism. He just feels my thyroid for any changes and orders a blood test. He told me years ago after an ultrasound that I have no nodule. Should I wait til Dec. for my yearly appt. or should I call my endo about what this other dr. said?? Thanks for opinions.
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I did some researching and found references mostly to "calcified" nodules. I've never heard of, nor found any reference to, a totally calcified gland. What I believe may have happened is that the ER doctor, who may be an intern or resident [translated, "newbie" doc], may have used a non-medical word in an attempt to describe to you what he perceived as a tough, harder-than-normal gland. Glands that have been under attack by autoantibodies for several years - which is the most common cause of hypothyroidism - change drastically in texture. I'm thinking this is what the ER doctor meant... but of course, I'm only guessing.
I doubt it's any kind of emergency and think it can probably wait till your next checkup. However, if there was any mention of a "calcified
nodule" by the ER doc, you should probably go in sooner.
