Are you aware of the common types of thyroid nodules? Thyroid nodules are an abnormal growth of thyroid cells that form a lump within the thyroid gland. While the majority of people develop benign thyroid nodules that don’t need treatment, some people develop cancerous thyroid nodules that require early diagnosis and management to get treated effectively. Learn the different types of thyroid nodules in this article.
Types of thyroid nodules
Thyroid nodules are small tumors within a thyroid gland. Most of them are benign but some of them are cancerous. Here is the list of the major types of thyroid nodules you may develop:
Benign thyroid nodules
- Toxic nodules:
This type of nodule occurs when the thyroid becomes overactive, meaning it produces too much thyroid hormone, especially thyroxine. These growths are called toxic nodules. Toxic nodules can also lead to a condition called hyperthyroidism which increases the body’s metabolism.
Toxic nodules may not require treatment unless they lead to hyperthyroidism. Toxic nodules may take time to grow but once they grow exceptionally large and press the surrounding structures in the neck or upper chest, they require treatment.
- Multinodular goiter:
If several nodules form on the thyroid, then it is known as multinodular goiter or enlarged thyroid. While they are benign, some multinodular goiters cause the thyroid to produce too much thyroxine, which results in hyperthyroidism. These growths only need treatment if you’re experiencing compressive or hyperthyroid symptoms, or if one or more nodules may cause thyroid cancer.
- Thyroid Cysts:
These are fluid-filled nodules that develop within the thyroid. While pure thyroid cysts are benign, some cysts are congenital. Sometimes these cysts are filled with blood, debris, and substances left behind when blood or cells break down. Sometimes it also contains calcifications or calcium deposits. Cysts happen from an injury or inflammation, or due to benign or cancerous growths. It may need to be drained or biopsied so that endocrinologists can make a diagnosis. Some thyroid cysts may require monitoring to ensure they do not grow or push nearby structures. If it does, you may need treatment.
- Thyroid adenoma:
This condition occurs when benign growths happen on normal thyroid tissue. It doesn’t require treatment unless it causes compressive symptoms. If they are not causing symptoms, most of these need to be monitored with a neck ultrasound.
- Goiter:
Any enlargement that occurs on the thyroid gland is known as goiter. It is caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and iodine deficiency. Usually, it doesn’t require treatment, however, if the goiter is causing compressive or hyperthyroid symptoms.
Cancerous thyroid nodules
- Papillary carcinoma:
Papillary carcinoma is found in 80% of all thyroid cancers. It takes time to grow and often spreads to nearby lymph nodes, small immune system glands that help combat infection. If caught early, this type of thyroid cancer can be treated easily. It’s more common in women than men and can occur at any age.
- Follicular carcinomas:
Follicular thyroid cancer is found in 10 to 15% of all thyroid cancers and is more common in people between the ages of 40 to 60, however, it can occur at any age. This form of thyroid cancer doesn’t spread to the lymph nodes. However, it can spread to other parts of the body like lungs and bones. If caught early, it can be easily treated. It has a subtype called oncocytic, which makes the cancer aggressive and spreads to distant areas of the body like bones and other organs.
- Medullary thyroid Carcinoma:
This thyroid carcinoma develops in parafollicular cells, also known as C cells. These cells produce a hormone called calcitonin, which helps the body to control the use of calcium. Sometimes, it can spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, or liver before the cancer has been discovered, making it difficult to treat. Only 5% of people develop thyroid cancer.
It can occur spontaneously, without any known cause, or as part of a genetic syndrome. For diagnosis, a genetic counselor tells what screening is used for genetic testing for the patients and their family members.
- Anaplastic Carcinoma:
This is an exceedingly rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer that rapidly affects nearby organs such as the windpipe and esophagus. It can spread to the lungs, bones, and brain. It occurs spontaneously or develops in people who have long-standing thyroid cancers in the cells which invade local structures like the bloodstream, lymph nodes, and distant organs. It holds less than 2% of all thyroid cancers, especially for people who are older than 65. Like other thyroid cancers, it also develops from follicular cells, but in a much more aggressive form.
- Thyroid Lymphoma:
This accounts for 2% of all thyroid cancers. It rarely occurs in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. You may experience symptoms like neck swelling and pain more rapidly compared to other forms of thyroid cancer because the tumor grows quickly. This type of cancer usually arises from lymphocytes (white blood cells that fight infection and are found in the thyroid). It is effectively treated, with radiation therapy like other lymphomas.
Thyroid nodules can be divided into benign and cancerous. While most of them are benign, some are cancerous which require early diagnosis for effective treatment. Even some benign can later transform into cancerous which requires careful monitoring of its size and growth. That’s why noticing symptoms earlier is important to get proper treatment on time.
If you have a lump on the side of your neck, visit our endocrinology clinic in Brooklyn to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Want to learn what symptoms occur when you have thyroid nodules? Call us on 718-DORAL-55/ 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.
