Thyroid nodules are benign growths that can develop on the normally smooth surface of the thyroid gland. Some estimate that up to 40% of women and 30% of men will develop thyroid nodules at some point in their lives. Thyroid nodules tend to be harmless, although some can be malignant. Do you have a case of thyroid nodules? Are you worried about what they are and if you should consult a doctor? They are in most cases benign but in less than 20 percent of cases can be cancerous. Read all about it in this article and find out thyroid nodules causes, symptoms, and treatments when to worry about thyroid nodules?
What are thyroid nodules?
Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled overgrowths in the thyroid gland. Most thyroid nodules do not show any symptoms and are non-consequential. A rare percentage of them might develop into cancer. Also, Read Kathy Melillo, CrediHero, Thyroid Cancer Survivor
Causes for thyroid nodules -
The majority of thyroid nodules are caused by abnormal thyroid tissue. The causes of this growth can be due to genetics. In some cases, thyroid nodules occur due to
1. Hashimoto's thyroiditis -
It is an autoimmune disease that leads to hypothyroidism due to inflammation which causes enlarged thyroid nodules.
2. Thyroiditis -
It is a condition where the thyroid gland gets inflamed
3. Thyroid cancer -
The chances of a nodule being cancerous are rare but a nodule that causes pain and discomfort is likely to be cancerous and must be examined by a doctor.
4. Iodine deficiency -
Lack of iodine in your diet can lead to the thyroid gland developing nodules. Ensure to take a proper diet including iodine.
5. Thyroid cyst -
A cyst usually results due to degenerating thyroid adenomas. Thyroid cysts are filled with fluid along with solid components. These solid components in some cases might be cancerous.
6. Multinodular goiter -
Enlargement of the thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency can result in multinodular goiter. This condition results in the development of multiple thyroid nodules. Also, Read What Do The Thyroid Symptoms Reveal About Your Overall Health?
Symptoms of thyroid nodules -
Thyroid nodules generally do not have noticeable symptoms. Your doctor might alert you about their existence in a routine checkup or they might come up in image testing done for other conditions. The most common symptom of a thyroid nodule is the presence of a lump in the neck and difficulty swallowing. Additionally, larger nodules might cause difficulty in breathing, a hoarse voice, or neck pains at regular intervals. The thyroid nodule is of two kinds. The cold nodule does not produce any thyroid hormones. Hot nodules overproduce thyroid hormones. When there is a presence of a hot nodule there may be noticeable symptoms like:
- Rapid irregular heartbeat pattern
- Anxiety
- Irritability and moodiness
- Unexplained sudden weight loss
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Trembling hands
- Major hair loss
- Frequent bowel movements and/or diarrhea
- Uneven menstrual cycle
When to worry about thyroid nodules?
Although most nodules do not lead to cancer, you must concern a doctor if you notice symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. If there is unusual swelling in your neck, along with trouble swallowing food or breathing you must immediately seek medical help. The possibility of it being cancer should be ruled out using tests. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include
- Sudden unexplainable weight loss
- Constant Rapid heartbeat
- Trouble sleeping
- Weak muscles
- Irritability and mood swings
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include
- Feeling cold easily
- Getting exhausted fast
- Dry and flaky skin
- Problems with memory/forgetfulness
- Constipation
Thyroid gland:
It is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck and is about two inches long. It is responsible for the production of metabolism-controlling hormones. These hormones regulate body functions like heart rate, breathing, body temperature, nervous system function, etc.
Complications related to thyroid nodules -
Problems in eating: thyroid nodules can make it difficult to swallow food interfering with an individual's diet and leading to other health issues due to an inefficient diet. Excessive thyroid production: the condition of excessive thyroid production is called hyperthyroidism. It leads to issues like weight loss, weakness, and anxiety. Thyroid surgery: if surgery is recommended for thyroid nodules, the possibility of having to take thyroid hormone replacement for the rest of life can arise. Also, Read Understanding the Risks of Thyroid on Pregnancy
Diagnosis and treatment:
The diagnosis is done with the main aim of identifying the possibility of a nodule being cancer and checking the functionality of the thyroid gland. The following tests might be conducted by your doctor:
Diagnosis methods:
- Physical exam -
You will be asked to swallow under the doctor's observation. The movement of the thyroid nodule up and down will help in the examination. The doctor might also check for symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including tremors, and rapid heartbeat.
- Thyroid function test:
This test measures blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone. It indicates the presence of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
- Ultrasound -
It is an imaging procedure that tests your thyroid gland using high-frequency sound waves. Ultrasound provides information like the shape and structure of the nodules and can help in distinguishing cysts and solid nodules and determining whether there is a presence of multiple nodules.
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy -
A biopsy is used to determine the presence of cancer. A fine thin needle is inserted into the nodules to remove a sample of cells. It is a small procedure taking about 20 minutes and the sample is then analyzed at a laboratory.
- Thyroid scan -
Your doctor may perform A thyroid scan to evaluate the thyroid nodules. This involves injecting radioactive iodine into a vein in your arm. A digital image of the thyroid is produced as a result. This helps to distinguish the presence of a hot nodule or cold nodule. A hot nodule shows up on the scan as they take up more of the isotope compared to normal thyroid tissue. These are mostly non-cancerous. When a nodule takes up less of the isotope than normal it is a cold nodule. Further tests are done to accurately determine if the cold nodule is cancerous.
Treatments for thyroid nodules:
Waiting it out -
If the thyroid nodule is non-cancerous, your doctor will suggest you watch it carefully and get tests at regular intervals. If the nodule grows the test will help in seeking follow-up treatment. If the thyroid nodule remains non-cancerous you will need no further treatment.
Thyroid hormone therapy -
this is recommended when your thyroid glands are not producing the apt amount of thyroid hormones.
Surgery -
surgery is required for a non-cancerous nodule if it leads to difficulty in swallowing and breathing. For cancerous nodules, surgery is a common treatment. It is a minimal surgery removing half of the thyroid tissue. After surgery, you will require to be put on lifelong levothyroxine to fulfill the requirement of the thyroid hormone.
Final Takeaway -
You should keep note of early thyroid nodule symptoms and understand When to worry about thyroid nodules? A thyroid nodule can occur in a number of cases and mostly goes unnoticed if it is non-cancerous as it shows little to no symptoms. More than 80 percent of thyroid nodules are benign. The case where you need to worry about the thyroid nodule is when it is cancerous. A cancerous thyroid nodule will show symptoms like sudden weight loss, excessive sweating, tiredness, and irritability. If you see these symptoms consult a doctor and get tests done to determine if the thyroid nodule is cancerous and get follow-up treatment.
you may also read: New Treatments for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
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