What are thyroid nodules?
Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths of cells and tissues that form a lump inside the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the neck, just above the breastbone, and releases thyroid hormone, which helps regulate the body’s metabolism.
Although thyroid nodules are usually non-cancerous (benign), some can still be cancerous, so they need to be evaluated if you want to treat thyroid cancer in its early stages. You usually do not detect a thyroid nodule until your doctor discovers it during a routine medical examination.
Prognosis of the disease
Nodules are usually benign and asymptomatic and have a favorable prognosis. However, in some cases, the prognosis may be uncertain or unfavorable, especially if all or part of the thyroid gland needs to be removed, or if the nodules are malignant in nature.
Symptoms of thyroid nodules
Thyroid nodules usually do not cause symptoms and, for the most part, are detected during routine examinations or by computed tomography (CT) or other similar imaging tests.
Although thyroid nodules do not function, for the most part, some of them produce excess thyroid hormone, causing hyperthyroidism.
If large enough, they may become visible, with the appearance of a lump in the neck, or the nodule may cause breathing and swallowing problems due to narrowing of the trachea.
It may cause:
- Thinning without apparent cause.
- Increased sweating
- Tremors
- Nervousness
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
What are the causes of thyroid nodules?
The cause of thyroid nodules is not always known or obvious. Some nodules are associated with iodine deficiency, although this is a rare circumstance, as iodine is often added to salt and other foods.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition, is associated with an increased risk of developing thyroid nodules. They can also be caused by excess thyroid tissue, swelling of the thyroid gland (goiter), and thyroid cysts. However, it is not always clear why the growth and swelling occur.
Can they be prevented?
They cannot be prevented. There are tests that can establish the presence or absence of a thyroid nodule in an individual; however, these should always be discussed with a physician.
Treatments for thyroid nodules
The treatment for thyroid nodules depends on their characteristics: whether it is benign or cancerous, whether it is functional or not, etc.
If it is cancerous, it must be surgically removed. Thyroid cancer, in general, can be treated and cured. In addition, surgery may be performed if the thyroid nodule is particularly large and causes discomfort to the patient. The lump can be removed if it is actively secreting hormones.
If the thyroid nodule is benign, treatment may not be necessary, opting for careful monitoring. Thyroid function tests and objective tests will be performed regularly to ensure that the lump remains benign. If it produces thyroid hormones, it may be treated with medication, radioactive iodine therapy or, in some cases, surgery.
Which specialist to contact?
An endocrinology specialist will be able to follow the patient from diagnosis to treatment of thyroid nodules.