While most thyroid nodules are not dangerous, if you notice a lump in your neck, you should visit your doctor. So, the doctor runs some tests and checks if you develop a nodule and what causes it. Treatment of thyroid nodules depends on the type of nodule. Mostly treatment is done through observations, medications, surgery, etc. but there are other treatment options available as well.

Treatment

Treatment of thyroid nodules depends on the type you have. If your thyroid nodule is not cancerous, then treatment is given by thyroid hormone therapy or surgery. Even in some cases, doctors only watch your condition and do physical exams and thyroid function tests at regular intervals. You only need another biopsy if the nodule has grown larger. If your benign thyroid nodule does not change, then you may not need treatment.

Thyroid hormone therapy is only used if your gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Surgery is given if your noncancerous nodule grows big enough which makes it hard for you to breathe or swallow. Surgery is also recommended when people have multinodular goiters, particularly the goiters that constrict airways, esophagus, or blood vessels. Those nodules diagnosed as suspicious for cancer in biopsy also need surgical removal to examine the signs.

If your thyroid nodule is leading to overproduction of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) then, the doctor may treat you for hyperthyroidism:

• Radioactive iodine:It is used to treat hyperthyroidism; given in the form of a capsule or liquid form which is absorbed by your thyroid gland this makes the nodules shrink and reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism usually within 2 to 3 months.
• Anti-thyroid medications:In some cases, doctors recommend the use of anti-thyroid medication such as methimazole (Tapazole) to reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This is a long-term treatment that can cause some serious side effects on your liver, so before using this treatment discuss the risks and benefits of this treatment with your doctor.
• Surgery:If other treatments like radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medication fail, then the last resort is surgery. In which, the surgeon will remove the overactive thyroid nodule. Before having the surgery, discuss the risks of surgery with your doctor.

Treatment of cancerous nodules is usually done by surgery. But in some cases, alcohol ablation is used. In this treatment, a small amount of alcohol is injected into the cancerous thyroid nodule to destroy it. You need to take multiple sessions of this treatment.

Complications

Breathing or swallowing issues. A multinodular goiter or large nodules might obstruct breathing or swallowing.

Hyperthyroidism. When a nodule or goiter produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone in the body, problems might arise. Weight loss, muscle weakness, heat sensitivity, anxiety, and irritability are all side effects of hyperthyroidism.

An erratic heartbeat, brittle bones, and thyrotoxic crisis, an uncommon but possibly fatal worsening of signs and symptoms, are all possible side effects of hyperthyroidism. These conditions call for prompt medical attention.

Complications from the removal of thyroid nodules. You might require lifetime thyroid hormone replacement treatment if your doctor advises surgery to remove a nodule.

Prevention

Since researchers still don’t know what causes the majority of thyroid nodules, prevention is not possible in most cases. However, you can decrease the risk of the development of thyroid nodules by managing certain risk factors such as obesity, smoking, consuming enough iodine in your diet, etc.

Some studies have also shown that people who take oral birth control and statins have a fewer risk of developing thyroid nodules.

Want to learn more about thyroid biopsy? Call us on 13473845690 and get answers for all your queries. Log on to  www.doralhw.org or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212 to book an appointment with our endocrinologist to get the best treatment. We have the best endocrinologists who treat these kinds of diseases and helpful staff to aid you during your treatment.