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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?
- Overview
- What are thyroid nodules?
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Causes
- When to biopsy
- Are they cancerous?
- Do they go away on their own?
- Diagnosis
- Outlook
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 deficiency and other issues.
Thyroid nodules develop when thyroid cells build up in the thyroid gland. Some people will discover a cyst by feeling it in their neck; however, most people will not know they have a thyroid nodule until a doctor identifies it.
The thyroid gland produces hormones with various functions, including helping the organs to work properly and to create energy to keep the body warm. In some cases, a thyroid nodule may disrupt the normal production of thyroid hormones.
A nodule can develop for different reasons. It may be a cyst or, less commonly, cancerous.
This article looks at the possible causes and types of thyroid nodules, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Learn all about the thyroid gland here.
Thyroid nodules are lumps that develop in or around the thyroid gland. A person may have one or more nodules. Thyroid nodules are common in the United States, affecting an estimated 50% of adults by 60 years of age.
Some nodules are easy to feel, but a person may not feel those smaller than 1 centimeter (cm) or located deep in the thyroid gland.
Nodules can be cystic or solid. One type of solid nodule is a colloid nodule that develops due to a build-up of thyroid cells and is not harmful; cancerous thyroid cells are another type of solid nodule.
Other nodules are functional or autonomous, which means they can produce thyroid hormones, while others are not.
If a nodule affects thyroid hormone production, it can cause symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. One example of this is toxic multinodular goiter, which occurs when nodules that grow in the thyroid gland affect the thyroid hormone.
Learn about hypoechoic thyroid nodules here.
In most cases, a thyroid nodule has no signs or symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include:
•pain in the neck
•difficulty swallowing
•hoarse voice
•swelling in the neck
•unexplained weight gain or sudden and rapid weight loss
Treatment for thyroid nodules will depend on their type and cause.
If a doctor has declared a nodule benign from tests, they will monitor the person closely with physical exams and an ultrasound every 6–12 months.
If large nodules are causing swallowing or breathing difficulties or affecting thyroid hormones, people may require surgery to remove the nodule.
If doctors suspect a thyroid nodule is cancerous, people may have surgery and radioactive iodine therapy to remove the thyroid gland and destroy any harmful cells.
Iodine deficiency
According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), iodine is an essential part of the diet. Without it, the body cannot make enough thyroid hormone. If a person is iodine deficient, a goiter, or enlarged thyroid, can develop. Nodules may also form. Iodine deficiency is very uncommon in the U.S. The ATA recommends that people use iodized salt to prevent iodine deficiency. People may also need to take an iodine supplement during pregnancy. An iodine deficiency may also lead to toxic thyroid nodules, which are nodules that lead to an excess of thyroid hormones, resulting in hyperthyroidism. Toxic thyroid nodules can cause symptoms such as: •unintended weight loss •tremor •fast or irregular heartbeat •intolerance to heat •increased sweating •tiredness •irritability •diarrhea Learn about the signs and symptoms of iodine deficiency here.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis increases the risk of thyroid nodules. Possible risk factors for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis include: •having a family member with thyroid disease •being between the ages of 40–60 years, although the condition can also affect younger people •being female •having an existing autoimmune condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 diabetes Learn about the symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis here.
Cancer
The ATA notes that more than 90% of nodules are benign, but some may be cancerous. There are many different types of thyroid cancer, each with different treatment options and outlooks. Risk factors for thyroid cancer include: •being female •being between 25 and 65 years of age •being Asian •exposure to any type of radiation to the head or neck during childhood •a family history of thyroid cancer, goiter, or another thyroid disease •certain genetic conditions, such as familial medullary thyroid cancer Thyroid cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms to start with, but if a tumor grows larger, it could cause: •difficulty breathing •difficulty or pain when swallowing •hoarse voice People experiencing any of these symptoms should check with a doctor to find the underlying cause. Learn about the early signs of medullary thyroid cancer here.
Doctors cannot usually tell if a thyroid nodule is cancerous just through a physical examination and blood tests. This means that a doctor may often decide to carry out a nodule biopsy using a fine needle biopsy procedure.
A fine needle biopsy will usually take place in a doctor’s office. During a fine needle biopsy, a doctor will use a tiny needle to extract several cell samples from within the thyroid nodule. A laboratory will then examine the cells under a microscope to determine if the nodule is benign.
Most thyroid nodules are not cancerous. In 80% of thyroid nodule biopsies, the result is benign. This means the nodule is non-cancerous, and a doctor will not need to remove the nodule unless it is causing symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing.
However, it is not always possible to detect cancer in a thyroid nodule through biopsy. Doctors may recommend removing the nodule when there is doubt.
According to an ATA study, thyroid nodules that occur due to iodine deficiency may resolve on their own over time if people increase their iodine intake. In 618 participants with thyroid nodules, roughly one-third of single nodules were no longer present at the 11-year follow-up.
The researchers concluded that increasing iodine intake through iodized salt might be the reason for the disappearance of the nodules.
In other cases, benign thyroid nodules may grow larger over time, and people may need treatment to remove them.
Learn 13 iodine-rich foods here.
In most cases, people may not have any symptoms of a thyroid nodule. A doctor may find a thyroid nodule through a routine physical examination or an imaging test of the neck to check for another condition. Doctors may recommend tests on people with symptoms or risk factors.
Tests to investigate unusual thyroid activity include:
•ultrasound to see if a nodule is present, how big it is, and if it contains fluid
•a blood test to assess thyroid hormone levels
•a biopsy to remove and test a small piece of tissue
•a nuclear thyroid scan, which uses radioactive medication to provide imaging of the thyroid gland
Over 90% of thyroid nodules are benign. Even if thyroid cancer is present, most cases are curable, and they rarely become life-threatening. However, some forms of thyroid cancer can be more aggressive than others.
According to the NCI, the 5-year relative survival rate for people with thyroid cancer between 2011–2017 was 98.3%.
If a nodule is not cancerous, it may still need treatment, monitoring, or both. If people require surgery to remove the thyroid gland, they may need to take medication to supply the body with enough thyroid hormones.
Learn about which thyroid supplements are safe here.
- Beth Sissons
What symptoms can thyroid nodules cause? Most thyroid nodules don’t cause symptoms. However, if you have several nodules or large nodules, you may be able to see them. In rare cases, nodules can grow big enough to cause the following symptoms: Trouble with swallowing or breathing. Hoarseness or voice changes. Pain in the front of your neck.
- A thyroid nodule is an unusual growth (lump) of thyroid cells in the thyroid gland.The thyroid is part of the endocrine system, which is made up of...
- Sometimes the thyroid begins to grow (overgrowth), causing one or more nodules to form. The reason why this happens is not known. Cancer is the big...
- Most thyroid nodules do not produce any symptoms. However, if you have several nodules, or large nodules, you may be able to see them. Although rar...
- Risk factors for developing thyroid nodules include: 1. Family history. Having parents or siblings who have had thyroid nodules or thyroid or other...
Feb 11, 2022 · Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid, a small gland located at the base of your neck, just above your breastbone. Most thyroid nodules aren't serious and don't cause symptoms. Only a small percentage of thyroid nodules are cancerous.
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.
You should also discuss any symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing food. During a physical exam, your doctor will feel your neck to check for thyroid nodules. Signs of an overactive or underactive thyroid, such as dry skin, warm skin, hair loss, or goiter, may also be assessed.
People also ask
Can thyroid nodules cause symptoms?
What is a thyroid nodule?
Can a thyroid nodule cause hyperthyroidism?
Are thyroid nodules cancerous?
How do you know if a thyroid nodule is cancerous?
What are the different types of thyroid nodules?
Sep 1, 2023 · The term thyroid nodule refers to an abnormal growth of thyroid cells that forms a lump within the thyroid gland. Although the vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign (noncancerous), a small proportion of thyroid nodules do contain thyroid cancer.
