What are some symptoms of cancerous thyroid nodules?

What are some symptoms of thyroid nodules?

Many times thyroid nodules present no symptoms. However, weight loss, nervousness, neck swelling and difficulty swallowing could indicate symptoms and you should consult your doctor.

Investigating Thyroid Nodules?

Thyroid nodules are common outgrowths that develop on your thyroid gland. These lumps occur in approximately half of the planet's population. The precise cause of thyroid nodules is unknown. They are frequently associated with an iodine deficiency and in people with a family history of thyroid nodules. These outgrowths also occur in people with an existing thyroid disease. Your risk for developing this common nodule increases with age. Approximately 95% of these nodules are noncancerous. There are several indicators that a thyroid nodule is malignant. A nodule that is hard, fixed or fails to shrink after you receive thyroid hormone medication is suspicious and warrants further investigation. Blood tests, biopsies and ultrasounds can further clarify the status of your thyroid nodule. Your doctor will check your thyroid hormone to determine whether it is functioning as it should. Normal thyroid function does not rule out the possibility of cancer. During the biopsy, your physician will remove a minute portion of your thyroid gland for testing. An ultrasound is used to capture an image of your thyroid gland. The image allows physicians to determine the vascularity, shape, size and other characteristics of your thyroid. It can not definitively determine whether a thyroid gland is cancerous. A radioactive iodine scan also provides information on thyroid function. Your physician will instruct you to drink radioiodine. The level of iodine that your thyroid absorbs is a good indicator of its health. A nodule that doesn't absorb the iodine is classified as "cold". Approximately 10% of these nodules are cancerous. Benign nodules are usually asymptomatic, but some people report anxiety, shortness of breath and weight loss. Most nodules are discovered during regular neck exams or during diagnostic testing for other medical conditions. This indicates that the majority of people with thyroid nodules aren't aware that they have them. Most nodules escape detection because they are quite small. Others are readily apparent. You can see the nodule when you look at your throat in the mirror. These nodules can press against your windpipe and make it difficult for you to swallow, speak or breathe.

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.

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 does nodularity involving the thyroid gland mean?

Nodularity involving the thyroid gland refers to the presence of one or more nodules, which are abnormal growths or lumps within the thyroid tissue. These nodules can be solid or filled with fluid and may vary in size. While many thyroid nodules are benign and asymptomatic, some can be indicative of thyroid disorders or, in rare cases, thyroid cancer. Evaluation typically involves imaging studies and sometimes a biopsy to determine the nature of the nodules.

Can thyroid nodules cause a cough?

Yes, thyroid nodules can cause a cough in some cases, particularly if they are large enough to exert pressure on the trachea or surrounding structures. This pressure can lead to irritation and a sensation of a lump in the throat, resulting in a cough. However, not all thyroid nodules cause symptoms, and a cough can also be attributed to other respiratory conditions. If a persistent cough occurs, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What are the top 3 thyroid symptoms?

The top 3 thyroid symptoms are fatigue, eyes in pain , and weight gain. Thyroid is serious so one should call a doctor to be prescribed a medicine of some sort.

Which diseases or disorders affect the thyroid glands?

The Thyroid Is A Big Part Of Your Organ System and if cancer gets to your thyroid which is called Thyroid cancer your mood becomes crabby and you get VERY emotional.

What are some abnormal thyroid ultrasound results?

Abnormal thyroid ultrasound results may include the presence of thyroid nodules, which can vary in size and may be solid or cystic. Other findings might include signs of thyroiditis, such as inflammation or changes in echogenicity, or the presence of calcifications within nodules, which can raise suspicion for malignancy. Enlarged thyroid glands or goiters can also be noted, along with abnormalities in the vascularity of the thyroid tissue. Prompt follow-up and further evaluation may be required based on these findings.

What are the main symptoms of an underactive thyroid?

There are many potential symptoms for an underactive thyroid. Some symptoms include muscle and joint pains, neck discomfort, bowel problems, changes to the skin, fatigue and depression or anxiety.

What are the symptoms of the different kinds of thyroid problems?

There are different kinds of thyroid disorders. The two most common problems are hyperthyroidism in which the thyroid gland is overactive and hypothyroidism in which the thyroid gland is underactive. Each condition has its distinguished symptoms. However, the two disorders share some similar symptoms such as fatigue, heart problems and menstrual changes.

What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?

There are many symptoms for a thyroid cancer like a lump on your neck or a nodule; if you have pain swallowing or chronic neck pains, but its always important to get it professionally checked by a physician.