The thyroid gland, small in size, is a gland that lies within the neck in the area of the Adam’s Apple. Formed within the thyroid gland can be lumps that are either solid or filled with fluid. These lumps are known as nodules. While most of the time these lumps are harmless and noncancerous, they can sometimes be malignant, or cancerous. This is not usually discovered, unless they enlarge or until your physician detects it during a routine physical examination.
The signs and symptoms of a thyroid nodule are difficult to detect. The only way that a person detects them on their own is if they are felt or swelling is seen in the neck area. If by chance they excrete an excessive amount of thyroxine a person may notice some weight loss, note a rapid heartbeat, or may become unusually nervous. Signs and symptoms of a malignant thyroid nodule are rapid growth, noticeably enlarged lymph nodes, and/or hoarseness or dyspnea.
Causes of a thyroid nodule are not altogether clear, but it is assumed that certain factors such as genetics, hypothyroidism, inflammation, or either low or nonexistent levels of iodine in the person’s diet. Several types of nodules are noted in the thyroid. The colloid nodule and follicular adenoma nodule are the benign types of thyroid nodules.
A cyst in the thyroid may be either benign (more likely fluid-filled) or malignant (more likely to be solid). Other types of thyroid nodules may be noted as well. They are known as hyperfunctioning, inflammatory, multinodular goiter, or thyroid cancer.
Quite common, certain risk factors can predispose a person to thyroid nodules. Although doctors are unclear to the actual cause, some risk factors include family members who also have thyroid nodules, advanced age, women experience nodules at a greater rate than men and exposure to radiation or other thyroid conditions can predispose an individual to developing a thyroid nodule.
Complications, although not common, can occur with thyroid nodules. Some of these are heart difficulties, thyrotoxic crisis, and osteoporosis.
The diagnosis of a thyroid nodule is commonly made during a physical examination. Other diagnostic testing may include imaging tests. Additional diagnostic measures may be given as well. These would include ultrasounds, biopsies, and/or thyroid testing.
Treatment for a thyroid nodule is done by careful and close observation, medications, such as hormone suppression therapy, surgery and/or radioactive iodine treatments.
If you are noticing any of the above signs or symptoms of thyroid difficulties see your physician as soon as possible. He or she will be able to rule out any underlying causes and make treatment recommendations to reduce the effects of hyper or hypothyroidism. Do not delay in taking important steps to care for your health.
Resources:
American Family Physician: Thyroid Nodules
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0201/p559.html
Cleveland Clinic: Thyroid Nodules
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/thyroid_nodule/hic_thyroid_nodules.aspx
MayoClinic: Thyroid Nodules
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thyroid-nodules/DS00491
Cedars-Sinai: Thyroid Nodules
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