Murfreesboro woman receives help after MRI finds thyroid nodule

"Last summer, I noticed I was always tired, very sleepy, and lacking energy," said Latanya Moore of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. "I had gained 30 pounds quickly and was very moody. I just wasn’t myself. I went to the doctor for something else, and a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, I received a call that they had found something during an MRI of my thyroid."

"I was truly scared, but I was referred to Dr. Rampp. After more tests, I was diagnosed with a thyroid nodule." It was determined that she needed outpatient surgery to remove the mass that had been found on her thyroid.

"Ms. Moore had a problem that is very common in the United States," said Dr. Robert Rampp, a thyroid specialist, and fellowship-trained endocrine surgeon at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford. "Up to 50% of the population, and more common in women than men, have thyroid nodules. And most are identified incidentally, meaning they underwent imaging for a different problem and the nodule was unexpectedly found."

On December 20, 2024, LaTanya underwent surgery to remove the mass on her 58th birthday and was able to recover at home the same night.

"It was such a scary experience for me," she said. "I was dealing with a lot of health issues at the time, but mentally, I was thinking about my family. The mass had grown, and I wanted to be here for many more birthdays. I feel like Dr. Rampp gave me back my life. I’m no longer worried about my health—it’s such a relief. Now, I’m here for my family."

"Problems with your thyroid can be vague and ambiguous," Dr. Rampp added. "If you’re concerned you might be experiencing health issues related to your thyroid, we encourage you to ask your provider about a thyroid function panel and a thyroid ultrasound."

One in eight women will develop thyroid disease during their lifetime, similar to breast cancer. Early intervention can improve outcomes, just as it did for LaTanya.

How to recognize thyroid disorders

Here are some common signs and symptoms of thyroid disease to watch for:

• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight changes (gain or loss)
• Mood swings or irritability
• Dry skin or thinning hair
• Increased heart rate or palpitations
• Sensitivity to temperature (feeling unusually cold or hot)

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. A simple blood test can help determine if a thyroid condition is the cause.

Thyroid disorders are often overlooked or misdiagnosed, but they don’t have to be. With early detection and proper care, many people with thyroid conditions can lead healthy, balanced lives. Take the time to learn more about thyroid health and share the information with those around you. By raising awareness, we can ensure that more people are diagnosed early and treated effectively, improving their quality of life and preventing future health complications.

To learn more about your thyroid health, make an appointment with one of our doctors at Ascension Saint Thomas.