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A common affliction, more than 50 percent of the world's population suffers from thyroid nodules, according to the Columbia University Medical Center's New York Thyroid Center. Most nodules are benign. Only 5 percent will be diagnosed as a malignancy
As a person ages, their likelihood of developing thyroid nodules increases. The nodules are either solid or fluid-filled. People rarely know that they have a nodule, until a physician detects the lump during an exam. The nodules seldom produce pain and most are not visible in the neck unless they are excessively large or the person is extremely slender. A physician will usually accidently feel a nodule while palpating the thyroid gland.
Once a nodule is found, the physician will order blood tests to determine the thyroid's function and a biopsy of the lump. An ultrasound may also be utilized to see if there are any more enlarged nodules on the thyroid that cannot be detected by palpitation. A radioactive iodine scan also helps reveal the thyroid's function and the shape of the nodule.
A benign nodule rarely requires treatment or surgery unless the lump's size obstructs the throat's function or hinders swallowing. Once a benign thyroid nodule has been detected, the physician will usually elect to monitor the nodule at 6 to 18 month intervals using an ultrasound. A malignant nodule requires surgery and post-treatment. Rarely, the nodule may be ruled indeterminate or non-diagnostic because the pathologist is unable to diagnosis the cell type of the nodule. A second biopsy is often required to arrive at a definitive diagnosis of cell type.
The exact cause of thyroid nodules is unknown. Possible causes may be family history, pre-existing thyroid disorders and lack of iodine in the diet. People who suffer from the auto-immune disorder Hashimoto thyroiditis often develop numerous nodules. The thyroid may enlarge before thyroid nodules develop. The nodules are more common in women than men. Men also appear to have a greater chance of developing a malignant nodule.
What else can I help you with?
How do thyroid nodules go away?
I have multiple thyroid nodules. I also have lupus can autoimmune cause the nudules?
How serious is lumps on thyroid gland?
The great majority of thyroid nodules aren't serious and don't cause symptoms. Thyroid cancer accounts for only a small percentage of thyroid nodules.
Nodules on the thyroid?
Nodules in the thyroid may be cancerous or benign. They may be *hot* (producing hormone) or *cold (not producing hormone).
What statement best describes the process that takes place in these nodules?
The nodules likely refer to thyroid nodules. The process within these nodules involves the formation of abnormal growths or lumps on the thyroid gland. These nodules can be benign or malignant and may affect thyroid function. Further evaluation, such as biopsy or imaging, may be needed to determine the nature of the nodules.
What are the thyroid nodules symptoms and what to do about them?
There are usually no symptoms associated with thyroid nodules unless they become so large that they can be felt or seen at the base of your neck. If you think you have thyroid nodules, you should seek the advice of a physician because sometimes they can be cancerous.
Can thyroid nodules cause thyroid to not work well?
A thyroid nodule is a lump in or on the thyroid gland. Any time a lump is discovered in thyroid tissue, the possibility for cancer needs to be considered. Fortunately, the vast majority of thyroid nodules tend to be benign.
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.
What are thyroid nodules symptoms?
There are no definite symptoms specific to having thyroid nodules. What the sufferer will feel is generally unwell. They are also likely to have unexplained loss of weight and appetite.
Are nodules risky?
According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, a thyroid nodule is a lump in or on the thyroid gland. Any time a lump is discovered in thyroid tissue, the possibility for cancer needs to be considered. Fortunately, the vast majority of thyroid nodules tend to be benign. The AACE says nodules can be caused by a simple overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue, fluid-filled cysts, inflammation, or a tumor.
What happens if thyroid nodules are cancerous?
You will need treatment for cancer.
How does multinodular goiter affect the thyroid?
the thyroid gland becomes studded with nodules, enlarges and overproduces thyroxine.
What is the purpsoe of nodules?
According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, a thyroid nodule is a lump in or on the thyroid gland. Any time a lump is discovered in thyroid tissue, the possibility for cancer needs to be considered. Fortunately, the vast majority of thyroid nodules tend to be benign. The AACE says nodules can be caused by a simple overgrowth of "normal" thyroid tissue, fluid-filled cysts, inflammation, or a tumor. For more information please read this related article: What Is a Thyroid Adenoma?
