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A 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 incidentaloma
Causes, 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 nodule
- A nodule that is stuck to nearby structures
- Family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type II
- Family history of thyroid cancer, especially medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Hoarse voice due to vocal cord paralysis
- Age -- younger than 20 years or older than 70
- History of radiation exposure to the head or neck
- Male gender
Causes of thyroid nodules are not always found, but can include:
- Hashimoto's disease
- Iodine deficiency
Most thyroid nodules produce no symptoms.
Large nodules can press against other structures in the neck. Symptoms may include:
Nodules that produce thyroid hormones will cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including:
- Bounding pulse
- Clammy skin
- Increased appetite
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Skin blushing or flushing
- Weight loss
Thyroid nodules are sometimes found in people who have Hashimoto's disease. Hashimoto's disease may cause hypothyroidism, with symptoms such as:
- Dry skin
- Facial swelling
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Intolerance to cold
- Unintentional weight gain
Very 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:
TreatmentYour health care provider may recommend surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid gland if the nodule is:
- Cancerous
- Believed to be making your thyroid overactive (hyperthyroid)
- Cannot be diagnosed as cancer or noncancer
- Cause symptoms such as swallowing or breathing problems
Patients 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 cancer
ComplicationsHyperthyroidism is a common complication of noncancerous thyroid nodules.
Complications of treatment can include:
- Hoarse voice if vocal cord nerves are damaged during surgery
- Hypothyroidism from surgery or radioactive iodine therapy
- Low blood calcium (hypocalcemia) from hypoparathyroidism if parathyroid glands are accidentally damaged or removed during surgery
Call 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 else can I help you with?
Who nodule is more dangerous hot nodule or cold nodule?
Only a doctor can order the tests to determine if any thyroid nodule is dangerous. A thyroid uptake scan will help your doctor determine if your thyroid is hot (active) or cold (inactive).
What does it mean if a thyroid nodule is vascular?
There's blood supply inside of it not just leading to it
What does a hypoechoic nodule in soft tissues mean?
A thyroid nodule is simply a mass in your thyroid. Hyperechoic is a term used in ultrasound which determines how bright or dark the nodule is. Ultrasound is all black, white, and gray scales, so a hyperechoic nodule would be a mass in the thyroid that is BRIGHTER than the rest of the thyroid tissue.
What is a subcentimeter solid hypoechoic thyroid nodule?
This is an ultrasound report that is saying that the thyroid that was scanned has a solid nodule that is just a little under 1/2 inch in diameter and doesn't show up as well compared to the surrounding tissue..
What is the difference between a goiter and nodule of the thyroid?
A goiter is inflammation of the thyroid gland, also known as the thyroid gland becoming enlarged. Meanwhile, a thyroid nodule is a lump in or on the thyroid gland.
What is an isthmal nodule found in the thyroid gland?
It is a mistake. The isthmus of the thyroid gland is a thin bridge across the trachea, linking the right and left lobes. It occasionally also gives rise to the pyramidal lobe, a normal variant of thyroid anatomy. The adjectival form of isthmus is isthmic, so a nodule in the thyroid isthmus is an isthmic nodule, not an isthmal nodule.
What is the difference between a fluid- filled nodule and solid nodule?
A thyroid nodule is a lump in or on the thyroid gland. Nodules can be caused by a simple overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue, fluid-filled cysts, inflammation, or a tumor. When there's an overgrowth of normal thyroid tissues, this is commonly referred to as a thyroid adenoma. Thyroid adenomas sometimes form as a result of degenerated cysts, or fluid-filled cavities, in the thyroid.
What does a isoechoic nodule with partial hypoechoic halo mean in a thyroid ultrasound?
What is Hypoechoic to Isoechoic Nodule
What is a cold thyroid?
Thyroid nodules are often referred to as *cold* or *hot*. A cold nodule is not producing hormones. A hot nodule is producing hormones - usually too much.
What would the presence of a painless lump or nodule on the thyroid gland be called?
cancer of the thyroid gland
What has the author Scott R Schoem written?
Scott R. Schoem has written: 'Evaluation and management of the thyroid nodule' -- subject(s): Cancer, Examination questions, Thyriod gland, Thyroid Nodule, Thyroid gland, Tumors
What is a thyroid nodule?
it means: nodule-a rounded lump or knot; heterogeneous means "composed of unlike parts. Therefore a rounded lump composed of dissimilar tissues on the thyroid (gland) located in the base of throat region. may or may not require medical attention.
