If you are experiencing thyroid nodule symptoms, then you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Thyroid nodules are not usually harmful, but can cause complications if not treated. There are several reasons why you may have a nodule. Some nodules are benign, while others can be cancerous. Depending on your nodule’s size, your doctor will determine the best treatment for you.
A thyroid nodule is a lump that develops in the thyroid gland. These nodules can be fluid-filled or solid. Occasionally, thyroid nodules can block the throat, making it difficult to breathe and swallow. Occasionally, the nodule can become malignant, requiring surgery or radioactive iodine therapy. However, the vast majority of thyroid nodules are noncancerous and require little or no treatment.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck. It produces hormones that regulate your metabolism. Your thyroid hormones help you use energy and stay warm.
If your thyroid nodule is small, you may not even notice it. However, if it is large, it can affect your thyroid hormones. Symptoms of a thyroid nodule can include a chronic cough, difficulty swallowing, and swelling in the throat. You may also have trouble breathing, especially when you are cold.
While it is not uncommon for people to have a thyroid nodule, you should be aware that the chances of getting one are increasing with age. Thyroid nodules are usually benign, and can be identified through an examination or physical test. To see if you have a nodule, you can undergo an ultrasound or CT scan.
Thyroid nodules can also be a sign of a disease, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Typically, thyroid nodules that aren’t producing enough thyroid hormone will show symptoms like weight gain and dry skin. In the case of a thyroid nodule that is producing too much thyroid hormone, your doctor can prescribe radioactive iodine to stop its growth.
If you have a thyroid nodule, you can expect to have it checked out periodically, including yearly blood tests, CAT scans, and ultrasound. If your nodule is benign, you will not have to have it removed, and your doctor will monitor it with regular ultrasounds. On the other hand, if it is cancerous, it will require surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, or both.
The most common symptom of a thyroid nodule is a lump in the neck. This may be due to the thyroid nodule itself, or to an infection in the lymph nodes behind the thyroid. Nodules that grow on the back of the thyroid are more likely to cause symptoms.
Whether or not a thyroid nodule causes any problems is dependent on its size and the condition of the lymph nodes surrounding it. Nodules that take up less isotope than other nodules will need more tests to identify whether they are cancerous. When a thyroid nodule is cancerous, the best surveillance plan depends on the type of biopsy performed, as well as its appearance on an ultrasound.
