Definition
A thyroid nodule is a growth (lump) in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck.
Symptoms
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:
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
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Definition
A thyroid nodule is a growth (lump) in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck.
Symptoms
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:
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Clammy skin
- Skin blushing or flushing
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Causes
Thyroid nodules are growths of cells in the thyroid glands. These growths can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Some nodules are fluid-filled (cysts), while others are completely made of thyroid gland cells. Sometimes, what feels like one nodule will actually be a collection of small nodules close together.
Thyroid nodules that are big enough to feel during a physical exam occur in 5 - 7% of the population. Smaller nodules occur in as many as 50% of people aged 60 or older. Thyroid nodules are more common in women than in men. A person's chance of a thyroid nodule increases with age.
Only 4 - 5% of thyroid nodules are cancerous. (See: Thyroid cancer )
The following characteristics increase the risk for a ...
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Treatment
Some thyroid nodules disappear without treatment. Surgery is recommended for nodules that:
- Are cancerous
- Cause symptoms
- Cannot be diagnosed as cancer or non-cancer
Patients with working nodules sometimes receive treatment with radioactive iodine, which reduces the size of the nodule. However, the treatment can cause hypothyroidism and radiation-induced thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland). Pregnant women should not be given this treatment. Women being treated with radioactive iodine should not get pregnant.
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid) is a drug that suppress the production of the thyroid hormone T4. A doctor may prescribe levothyroxine to treat benign nodules only in special cases, including:
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Other Names
Thyroid adenoma; Thyroid carcinoma; Thyroid incidentaloma
Possible Complications
Hyperthyroidism is a common complication of non-cancerous thyroid nodules. Complications of treatment can include:
- Nodule regrowth
- Scarring from surgery
- Hoarseness or voice changes as a result of vocal cord damage during surgery -- this happens especially if the nodule is close to the voice box
- Heart-related problems as a result of side effects from medication
- Weak bones resulting from medication treatment
- Hypothyroidism
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Outlook (Prognosis)
Non-cancerous thyroid nodules are not life threatening. Many do not require treatment, only follow-up. Non-cancerous nodules that do require treatment have an excellent outlook.
The outlook for cancerous nodules depends on the type of cancer. See Thyroid cancer for more information.
Prevention
The reason for most thyroid nodules is unknown. A diet with enough iodine will help prevent some nodules.
Exams and Tests
Very often, doctors will find thyroid nodules only during a routine physical exam, because the nodules produce no symptoms. When a doctor finds a nodule, or when there are symptoms that suggest a nodule, your doctor may order the following tests:
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References
Sriram U, Patacsil LM. Thyroid Nodule. Dis Mon 2004; 50(9):486-526.
Hegedus L. The Thyroid Nodule. N Eng J Med 2004;351:1764-71.
Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine , 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004.
Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005.
