Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid lumps

What are thyroid nodules?

                 Thyroid nodules are lumps on the thyroid that can be either solid or fluid-filled.  The cause is unknown but it is speculated that a lack of iodine in the diet can lead to their formation.  Usually, the patient is unaware of the presence of thyroid nodules as they are usually too small to detect or cause issues.  However, about 4% of thyroid nodules can be cancerous, causing them to interfere with swallowing.  If the nodules become too large, thyroid activity can become either suppressed or enhanced.  Some nodules cause the overproduction of thyroxine, which will exhibit symptoms similar to hyperthyroidism. 

How are thyroid nodules identified?

                 Usually, thyroid nodules are too small to be detected and present little danger to the patient.  However, they are normally identified during a physical examination of the neck.  The patient will be asked to swallow and if a nodule is present, it will move.  They can also be identified by imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound.  In order to determine if the nodule is of any danger to the patient, the doctor may order a thyroid function test or perform a biopsy.  The thyroid function test simply measures the T3 and T4 hormone levels in the body.  If they are abnormal, the nodule must be treated.  A fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy involves the removal of nodule cells using a needle much smaller than that of blood testing.  The procedure has few risks and can be performed in about 20 minutes in the doctor’s office. 

How are thyroid nodules treated?

                 Treatment of thyroid nodules includes drug administration and surgery.  Sometimes the nodule will simply be monitored to see if it grows.  Drug therapies include hormone suppression and the use of radioactive iodine.  If these methods are unsuccessful, a partial removal procedure is performed and the patient is monitored after for signs of returning nodules.  If a full removal of the thyroid is required, the patient will be prescribed a lifelong treatment with artificial thyroid hormones.