Search results
Your guide to thyroid nodules and swellings. Download leaflet. View quick guide. Also available in Arabic, Polish and Urdu and Mandarin. Content overview. What are thyroid nodules and swellings? What are the main causes of enlargement of the thyroid gland? What are the main types of thyroid nodules and swellings?
- Thyroid nodules and swellings overview
Thyroid nodules and swellings. A swelling in the neck due to...
- Thyroid nodules and swellings overview
- On this page
- Symptoms
- When to see a doctor
- From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
- Causes
- Complications
- News from Mayo Clinic
- Products & Services
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
Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.
To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.
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.
Request an appointment
•Mayo Clinic Minute: Treating thyroid nodules without surgery
•Mayo Clinic Q and A: Women and thyroid disease
•A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition
•Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition
Apr 24, 2023 · Thyroid nodules are lumps that occur in the thyroid gland in the front of the throat. There may be no symptoms, but people may feel a bump in the neck. Thyroid nodules can be a sign of iodine...
- Beth Sissons
Thyroid nodules and swellings. 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.
The vast majority — more than 95% — of thyroid nodules are benign (noncancerous). If concern arises about the possibility of cancer, the doctor may simply recommend monitoring the nodule over time to see if it grows. Ultrasound can help evaluate a thyroid nodule and determine the need for biopsy.
Aug 11, 2024 · Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid. They are caused by an overgrowth of cells in the thyroid gland.
People also ask
What are thyroid nodules?
Can a thyroid nodule cause hyperthyroidism?
Can a thyroid nodule be cancerous?
What is a swollen neck due to an enlarged thyroid gland?
What are the symptoms of a thyroid nodule?
Are thyroid lumps benign or malignant?
A thyroid nodule is a growth in your thyroid. Some people become aware of it because it’s hard to the touch, uncomfortable, or bothersome, interfering with the way they breathe or swallow. Many people, however, are unaware of a thyroid nodule until it is noted by a health care provider.
