What is Thyroid Nodule? What are the Symptoms? How to Treat It?

Thyroid Nodule

Often times after a routine medical check-up you end up with a report that says you have a thyroid nodule.

You do all of the self-doctoring but end up more anxious.

So, what is a thyroid nodule?

Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid gland.

Majority of thyroid nodules are benign and cause no symptoms.

Only a very small percentage of thyroid nodules are cancerous.

Treatment options depend on the type of thyroid nodule you have.

Symptoms

Most thyroid nodules are asymptomatic. If some nodules secrete additional hormones then can present as HYPER- OR HYPO-THYROIDISM.

Diagnosis

Physical exam.

Thyroid function tests.

Ultrasonography.

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy.

Thyroid scan.

Benign Nodules

If a thyroid nodule is not cancerous then there are several treatment options:

Treatment depends on the type of thyroid nodule you have.

Watchful waiting

If a biopsy shows that you have a benign thyroid nodule, your doctor may suggest simply watching your condition. This usually means having a physical exam and thyroid function tests at regular intervals. You may need a repeat biopsy if the size of the nodule changes or may need no treatment if a benign thyroid nodule remains unchanged.

Thyroid hormone therapy

This involves treating a benign nodule with medicines like levothyroxine. Not all nodules need to be treated this way.

Surgery

Occasionally, when a nodule is large that it causes difficulty to breathe or swallow may require surgery. Nodules diagnosed as indeterminate or suspicious by a biopsy also need surgical removal, so they can be examined for signs of cancer.

Treating Nodules That Cause Hyperthyroidism

If a thyroid nodule is producing thyroid hormones, overloading your thyroid gland's normal hormone production levels, your doctor may recommend treating you for hyperthyroidism. This may include:

Radioactive iodine

Doctors often use radioactive iodine to treat hyperfunctioning adenomas or multinodular goiters. Taken as a capsule or in liquid form, radioactive iodine is absorbed by your thyroid gland. This causes the nodules to shrink and signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism to subside, usually within two to three months.

Anti-thyroid medications

In some cases, your doctor may recommend an anti-thyroid medication to reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatment is generally long term and can have serious side effects on your liver, so it's important to discuss the treatment's risks and benefits with your doctor.

Surgery

If treatment with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications isn't an option, you may be a candidate for surgery to remove the overactive thyroid nodule.

Treating Cancerous Nodules

Treatment for a nodule that's cancerous usually involves surgery. After surgery, you may need lifelong treatment with levothyroxine to supply your body with normal amounts of thyroid hormone.