0
Go see your doctor immediately, just because you are afraid of a diagnosis you could be lowering your odds at getting whatever is causing those lumps to get treated. Please go see a doctor.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What are thyroid nodules and what symptoms of thyroid nodules?
Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths that form lumps on the thyroid gland in your neck. Nodules may be filled with solid or fluid. The vast majority of thyroid nodules are not cancerous, do not cause any health problems, and do not require treatment. In fact, autopsies show that nearly half of all adults develop thyroid nodules; most of these remain asymptomatic throughout life. Thyroid nodules run in families and are more likely to occur if you've been exposed to radiation or have another thyroid condition.Sometimes, a nodule may produce too much thyroid hormone. This can cause an imbalance in how much thyroid hormone the healthy gland makes, which in turn may cause noticeable symptoms.What symptoms might indicate the presence of thyroid nodules?A lump on your thyroid or swelling in your neck, if the nodule is unusually bigA rapidly growing lump in your neckDifficulty swallowingDifficulty breathingThroat pain that may travel up to the ear or jawFeeling like your throat is fullDifficulty speaking or hoarseness (rare)Enlarged lymph nodes or other glands in the neckSymptoms of hyperthyroidism (too much hormone): feeling nervous or restless, excessive sweating, a fast or irregular heartbeat, clammy skin, or sudden, unexplained weight lossSymptoms of hypothyroidism (too little hormone): feeling tired or depressed, constipation, facial swelling, dry skin, hair loss, not being able to tolerate cold, unintentional weight gain, or memory problemsWhen should you see a doctor?If you notice unusual swelling in your neck that persists for over two weeks, you should consult a physician. It's even more urgent if you're having trouble with breathing or swallowing.A hoarse voice that isn't caused by an infection and that lingers for over a month should also be evaluated by a physician.And visiting your doctor is advised if you develop any symptoms that suggest hyperthyroidism: sudden weight loss, trouble sleeping, a pounding heart, nervousness or irritability, or muscle weakness.
Do I have thyroid nodules in my tissue?
Depending how you came to know about the abnormal growth in your thyroid tissue, if you have not seen a doctor you should do so as soon as you can since thyroid nodules can cause adverse symptoms and have serious side effects. Your doctor should be able to discuss with you all side effects, complications, and treatment options, or your doctor may refer you to a specialist who can do those things. Make sure you tell your doctor all your symptoms and if you can, check with your family to see of there is any history of such issues and relay that information to your doctor as well.
Thyroid nodule?
DefinitionA thyroid nodule is a growth (lump) in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck.Alternative NamesThyroid tumor; Thyroid adenoma; Thyroid carcinoma; Thyroid incidentalomaCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThyroid nodules are growths of cells in the thyroid gland. These growths can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Some nodules are fluid-filled (cysts), while others are made of thyroid gland cells. Sometimes, what feels like one nodule will actually be a collection of small nodules.Thyroid nodules are more common in women than in men. A person's chance of a thyroid nodule increases with age.Only a few thyroid nodules are cancerous. (See: Thyroid cancer)The following characteristics increase the chances that a thyroid nodule is cancerous:A hard noduleA nodule that is stuck to nearby structuresFamily history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIFamily history of thyroid cancer, especially medullary thyroid carcinomaHoarse voice due to vocal cord paralysisAge -- younger than 20 years or older than 70History of radiation exposure to the head or neckMale genderCauses of thyroid nodules are not always found, but can include:Hashimoto's diseaseIodine deficiencySymptomsMost thyroid nodules produce no symptoms.Large nodules can press against other structures in the neck. Symptoms may include:Difficulty breathingDifficulty swallowingGoiterHoarseness or changing voicePain in the neckNodules that produce thyroid hormones will cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including:Bounding pulseClammy skinIncreased appetiteNervousnessRestlessnessSkin blushing or flushingWeight lossThyroid nodules are sometimes found in people who have Hashimoto's disease. Hashimoto's disease may cause hypothyroidism, with symptoms such as:Dry skinFacial swellingFatigueHair lossIntolerance to coldUnintentional weight gainSigns and testsVery often, nodules produce no symptoms. Doctors will find thyroid nodules only during a routine physical exam or imaging tests that are done for another reason. However, thyroid nodules that are big enough to feel during a physical exam occur in a few people.If the doctor finds a nodule or you have symptoms of a nodule, the following tests may be done:Fine needle aspiration biopsyThyroid scanThyroid ultrasoundTSH levelTreatmentYour health care provider may recommend surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid gland if the nodule is:CancerousBelieved to be making your thyroid overactive (hyperthyroid)Cannot be diagnosed as cancer or noncancerCause symptoms such as swallowing or breathing problemsPatients with overactive nodules may be treated with radioactive iodine, which reduces the size and activity of the nodule. However, in rare cases the treatment can cause hypothyroidism and inflammation of the thyroid gland (radiation-induced thyroiditis). Pregnant women should not be given this treatment. Women being treated with radioactive iodine should not get pregnant.Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone) is a drug that suppresses the production of the thyroid hormone T4. A doctor may prescribe levothyroxine to treat noncancerous nodules only in special cases.Careful follow-up is the only recommended treatment for benign nodules that do not cause symptoms and are not growing. A thyroid biopsy may need to be repeated 6 - 12 months after diagnosis. An ultrasound may be repeated as well.Other possible treatments include ethanol (alcohol) injection into the nodule and laser therapy.Expectations (prognosis)Noncancerous thyroid nodules are not life threatening. Many do not require treatment, only follow-up. Noncancerous nodules that do need treatment have an excellent outlook.The outlook for cancerous nodules depends on the type of cancer.See also: Thyroid cancerComplicationsHyperthyroidism is a common complication of noncancerous thyroid nodules.Complications of treatment can include:Hoarse voice if vocal cord nerves are damaged during surgeryHypothyroidism from surgery or radioactive iodine therapyLow blood calcium (hypocalcemia) from hypoparathyroidism if parathyroid glands are accidentally damaged or removed during surgeryCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you feel or see a lump in your neck, or if you experience any symptoms of a thyroid nodule.If you have been exposed to radiation in the face or neck area, call your health care provider. A neck ultrasound can be done to look for thyroid nodules.PreventionThe reason for most thyroid nodules is unknown. A diet with enough iodine will help prevent some nodules.ReferencesGharib H, Papini E, Valcavi R, et al.; AACE/AME Task Force on Thyroid Nodules. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Associazione Medici Endocrinologi medical guidelines for clinical practice for the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules. Endocr Pract. 2006;12:63-102.Schlumberger MJ, Filetti S, Hay ID. Nontoxic Diffuse and Nodular Goiter and Thyroid Neoplasia. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 13.
What are the symptoms of thyroid nodules?
Most thyroid problems don't have symptoms, but if you have a swelling or nodule that becomes large enough, it can be felt or even seen as a swelling in your neck. Most thyroid swellings are non-cancerous--but not all of them, so if you experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
What is a heterogeneous nodule and what do you do to fix it?
A heterogenous thyroid nodule can't be "fixed", but it can be treated or removed if it is causing a problem. Not all nodules need treatment. There are multiple types and causes of nodules. The treatment (if needed) is based entirely upon the reason for the nodule however, and seeing an endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid care is important to an appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
How common is thyroid disease?
The thyroid gland is located on the front part of the neck below the thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple). The gland produces thyroid hormones, which regulate body metabolism. Thyroid hormones are important in regulating body energy, the body's use of other hormones and vitamins, and the growth and maturation of body tissues. Diseases of the thyroid gland can result in either production of too much thyroid hormone, thyroid nodules, and/or goiter. All types of thyroid problems in women are much more common than thyroid problems in men.
Will thyroid problems cause a rash?
Yes, a thyroid problem may cause a rash. For example, Graves' Disease (autoimmune hypERthyroidism) antibodies can attack the skin, especially of the lower legs. This is known as pretibial myxedema. Low thyroid can also cause the skin to become dry and more sensitive, which may result in a rash.
Can your thyroid make you sleep all the time?
Yes, that is one of the typical symptoms. However, other conditions (e.g. too much of your thyroid medication) can cause the same symptom.
What would cause Hypothyroidism after a thyroidectomy?
can occur if all or nearly all of the thyroid gland is removed. This may be intentional when the diagnosis is cancer.
Could theLack of Vitamin D cause leg pain?
HAVE YOUR THYROID LEVEL CHECKED! THATS ALL MINE WAS....... CAUSE ANXIETY, PAINS, NUMBNESS , ALL SORTS OF STRANGE THINGS TO OCCUR. I THINK THYROID LEVELS SHOULD ALWAYS BE TESTED FIRST!
What to do when you found out you have ALL thyroid problems there is to have?
If you find that you have a thyroid problem, see an endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid disorders.
What is the Difference between hot and cold thyroid nodule?
The difference between hot and cold thyroid nodules refers to the appearance of the thyroid when viewed by a Nuclear Medicine Thyroid Scan. During a thyroid scan, the patient is given radioactive iodine which is taken orally. The radioactive iodine is absorbed into the bloodstream and gets picked up by functioning thyroid tissue. The thyroid utilizes iodine in its function of producing thyroid hormones. With a Nuclear Medicine scan, the radioactive iodine acts like non-radioactive iodine and is absorbed by the thyroid gland to be used in the production of thyroid hormones. Therefore, functioning thyroid tissue will become radioactive by the absorption of the radioactive iodine. Areas of the thyroid which are overly functioning will pick up more radioactive iodine than normal tissue and are referred to as being "hot". Areas of the thyroid that are functioning less than normal or not at all will pick up less or none of the radioactive iodine. These areas are referred to as being "cold". With the use of special "cameras" the radioactive iodine is detected in the thyroid gland and a picture is formed. The "hot" areas will show up darker than normal tissue and the "cold" areas will show up as lighter than normal tissue or as completely blank areas. The "hot" nodules are overly functioning thyroid tissue, very often palpable from the outer surface of the skin, and are sometimes cancerous tissue. The "cold" nodules are also sometimes palpable from the outer skin surface. These non-functioning areas can be scar tissue, cysts or a variety of non thyroid tissue infiltrating the thyroid gland.
