Did you notice a lump in your neck? If yes, then you might have thyroid nodules in your thyroid gland. It is a group of cells or tissues that grow on your thyroid. While thyroid nodules are mostly noncancerous and don’t cause any symptoms, some are cancerous nodules that can lead to severe complications. Learn about the thyroid nodules in this article.
Causes of Thyroid Nodules
While medical researchers have yet to fully understand why most thyroid nodules develop, several known factors contribute to the formation of different types of nodules within the thyroid gland. Understanding these causes can help guide diagnosis and treatment options.
Colloid Nodules:
These nodules arise when one or more areas of normal thyroid tissue begin to overgrow abnormally. Despite this enlargement, colloid nodules are benign and do not spread beyond the thyroid gland. They are the most common type of thyroid nodules and generally do not pose a risk of cancer, even if they grow considerably large.Thyroid Cysts:
Thyroid cysts are fluid-filled sacs or semi-solid lumps that form within the thyroid tissue. They may be completely fluid-filled or partly solid. Although the risk of cancer from these cysts is very low, larger cysts (typically greater than 2 centimeters) may require monitoring or biopsy to ensure they are not malignant. Thyroid cysts represent a distinct category of thyroid nodules that can cause swelling or discomfort depending on their size.Inflammatory Nodules:
These nodules result from chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland, often due to autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Inflammatory nodules may or may not cause pain or tenderness in the neck. Their presence highlights an ongoing immune response within the thyroid that can alter its function and structure.Multinodular Goiter:
A multinodular goiter occurs when the thyroid gland enlarges and develops multiple nodules, most of which are benign. This condition is frequently linked to iodine deficiency or other underlying thyroid disorders. The nodules can vary in size and number, sometimes leading to noticeable neck swelling or pressure symptoms.Hyperactive Thyroid Nodules:
Certain thyroid nodules become overactive, producing excess thyroid hormone independently of the body’s regulatory mechanisms. This can lead to hyperthyroidism, a condition characterized by symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and nervousness. Treatment is often required to manage hormone levels and alleviate symptoms associated with these hyperfunctioning nodules.Thyroid Cancer:
Although relatively rare, malignant thyroid nodules do occur. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of thyroid cancer include a family history of thyroid or other endocrine cancers, previous exposure to radiation (especially during childhood), and certain genetic conditions. Cancerous nodules tend to be larger, firmer, and may cause pain or discomfort. Early detection and prompt medical evaluation are crucial if such symptoms arise.Iodine Deficiency:
In some regions, a lack of sufficient iodine in the diet can trigger the thyroid gland to develop nodules as it attempts to compensate for inadequate hormone production. While iodine deficiency is uncommon in many countries due to iodized salt, it remains a preventable cause of thyroid nodules in some populations.
By understanding the various causes behind thyroid nodules, individuals can be better informed about when to seek medical advice and how these nodules may impact overall thyroid health.
Signs and symptoms
Most thyroid nodules do not produce any symptoms. However, those that become large can cause:
- Pain
- You can feel them and see swelling at the base of the neck.
- Press your windpipe and cause shortness of breath or trouble swallowing.
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter).
Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules can increase the production of thyroid hormones, which is known as hyperthyroidism. It causes symptoms such as:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Unexpected weight loss.
- Increased appetite.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Missed menstrual periods.
- Feeling shaky
- Frequent bowel movements.
- Difficulty sleeping.
Thyroid nodules are also associated with low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism). Its symptoms include:
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Depression
- Numbness and tingling in the hands or feet.
- Dry and coarse skin.
- Frequent and heavy menstrual periods.
Diagnosis
For diagnosis, your doctor first examines the lump and nodule of your neck. The doctor’s main goal is to check the possibility of cancer and see if your thyroid gland functions properly or not. Doctor order some tests to rule out the cause of your condition, including:
- Physical exam: During this test, your doctor examines your thyroid gland to check the nodule by making you swallow something to see if the nodule also moves up or down during swallowing. Your doctor also can check other symptoms as well such as tremors, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and overly active reflexes, which indicate conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
- Thyroid function tests: This test is used to measure blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and hormones produced by the thyroid gland which can tell whether your nodules are caused by hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
- Ultrasound:This imaging test is used to see images of your thyroid gland by using high-frequency sound waves. This test provides the best information about the shape and structure of nodules. It is also used as a guide for performing a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy:This biopsy is used to make sure no cancer is present in nodules. During the procedure, the doctor inserts a very thin needle in the nodule and removes a sample of cells. The procedure takes about 20 minutes and has few risks. Most doctors use ultrasound to guide the placement of the needle. The collected sample is sent to the laboratory to analyze under a microscope.
- Thyroid scan:This test is recommended to evaluate thyroid nodules. In this test, an isotope of radioactive iodine is injected into a vein in your arm. Then you must lie on a table while a special camera makes an image of your thyroid on a monitor. Nodules that overproduce thyroid hormone are called hot nodules which show up in this scan because they take more of the isotope than normal thyroid tissue does. Hot nodules are mostly noncancerous. Those nodules that take less isotope are called cold nodules, which are cancerous. However, a thyroid scan can’t tell the difference between cold nodules that are cancerous and those that aren’t
It is important to know what tests are used to diagnose the condition and available treatment options for thyroid nodules to reduce the symptoms and to improve the quality of life.
Want to learn what symptoms occur when you have abnormal levels of thyroid hormones? 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.
