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- Inflammatory nodules: These nodules develop as a result of long-term (chronic) swelling (inflammation) of your thyroid gland. These growths may or may not cause pain.
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13121-thyroid-noduleThyroid Nodules: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic
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What is a thyroid nodule?
What are thyroid nodules & goitres?
What causes thyroid nodules?
What is a swollen neck due to an enlarged thyroid gland?
What are the different types of thyroid nodules?
What if a thyroid nodule turns out to be thyroid cancer?
A swelling in the neck due to an enlarged thyroid gland is called a goitre. Nodules are lumps in the thyroid gland. Most are harmless but you should arrange an appointment with your doctor as soon as you find a lump or swelling. What are the main causes of enlargement of the thyroid gland?
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Most thyroid nodules don't cause signs or symptoms. But occasionally some nodules become so large that they can:
•Be felt
•Be seen, often as a swelling at the base of your neck
•Press on your windpipe or esophagus, causing shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing
In some cases, thyroid nodules produce additional thyroxine, a hormone secreted by your thyroid gland. The extra thyroxine can cause symptoms of an overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), such as:
•Unexplained weight loss
Although most thyroid nodules are noncancerous and don't cause problems, ask your doctor to evaluate any unusual swelling in your neck, especially if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. It's important to evaluate the possibility of cancer.
Seek medical care if you develop signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as:
•Sudden weight loss even though your appetite is normal or has increased
•A pounding heart
•Trouble sleeping
•Muscle weakness
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Several conditions can cause nodules to develop in your thyroid gland, including:
•Overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue. An overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue is sometimes referred to as a thyroid adenoma. It's unclear why this occurs, but it's not cancerous and isn't considered serious unless it causes bothersome symptoms from its size.
Some thyroid adenomas lead to hyperthyroidism.
•Thyroid cyst. Fluid-filled cavities (cysts) in the thyroid most commonly result from degenerating thyroid adenomas. Often, solid components are mixed with fluid in thyroid cysts. Cysts are usually noncancerous, but they occasionally contain cancerous solid components.
•Chronic inflammation of the thyroid. Hashimoto's disease, a thyroid disorder, can cause thyroid inflammation and result in enlarged nodules. This often is associated with hypothyroidism.
•Multinodular goiter. The term goiter is used to describe any enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can be caused by iodine deficiency or a thyroid disorder. A multinodular goiter contains multiple distinct nodules within the goiter, but its cause is less clear.
Complications associated with some thyroid nodules include:
•Problems swallowing or breathing. Large nodules or a multinodular goiter can interfere with swallowing or breathing.
•Hyperthyroidism. Problems can occur when a nodule or goiter produces thyroid hormone, leading to an excess amount of the hormone in the body. Hyperthyroidism can result in weight loss, muscle weakness, heat intolerance, and anxiousness or irritability.
Potential complications of hyperthyroidism include an irregular heartbeat, weak bones and thyrotoxic crisis, a rare but potentially life-threatening intensification of signs and symptoms that requires immediate medical care.
•Problems related to thyroid nodule surgery. If your doctor recommends surgery to remove a nodule, you may need to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy for the rest of your life.
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•Mayo Clinic Minute: Treating thyroid nodules without surgery
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•Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition
Thyroid nodules — even the occasional cancerous ones — are treatable. Here’s what you need to know about thyroid nodules and how concerned you should be if you develop one. How common are thyroid nodules?
Jul 25, 2023 · A nodule is a term used to define a firm lump underneath the skin, usually greater than 1cm. A goitre is a term used to describe a swelling in the neck due to the enlargement of the thyroid gland. This article will cover the classification, assessment and management of thyroid cancer.
Simple (diffuse) goiter: This type of goiter happens when your entire thyroid gland swells and feels smooth to the touch. Nodular goiter: This type of goiter happens when a solid or fluid-filled lump called a nodule develops within your thyroid and makes it feel lumpy.
Dec 6, 2019 · Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid. Thyroid nodules generally don’t cause any signs or symptoms. They often are found incidentally as a result of tests or radiologic exams, such as ultrasound or CT scans, performed for another medical reason.
A thyroid nodule is a (hard or soft) lump that develops within the thyroid gland in the neck. The growth may be caused by a variety of conditions that affect the thyroid gland. Some people have one nodule; others have many. The thyroid gland plays a large role in our body’s everyday functioning.
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