Thyroid nodules
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Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid, a small gland located at the base of your neck, just above your breastbone.
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.
You often won’t know you have a thyroid nodule until your doctor discovers it during a routine medical exam. Some thyroid nodules, however, may become large enough to be visible or make it difficult to swallow or breathe.
Treatment options depend on the type of thyroid nodule you have.
Most thyroid nodules don’t cause signs or symptoms. Occasionally, however, some nodules become so large that they can:
In some cases, thyroid nodules produce additional thyroxine, a hormone secreted by your thyroid gland. The extra thyroxine can cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as:
A few thyroid nodules are cancerous (malignant), but determining which nodules are malignant can’t be done by symptoms alone. Most cancerous thyroid nodules are slow growing and may be small when they’re discovered. Aggressive thyroid cancers are rare, but these nodules may be large, firm, fixed and rapid growing.
Although most thyroid nodules are noncancerous (benign) and don’t cause problems, ask your doctor to evaluate any unusual swelling in your neck, especially if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. It’s important to evaluate the possibility of cancer.
Also seek medical care if you develop signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as:
Your thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple.
Several conditions can cause nodules to develop in your thyroid gland:
Overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue. Why this occurs isn’t clear, but such a growth — which is sometimes referred to as a thyroid adenoma — is noncancerous and isn’t considered serious unless it causes bothersome symptoms from its size.
Some thyroid adenomas (autonomous or hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules) produce thyroid hormones outside of your pituitary gland’s normal regulatory influence, leading to an overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism).
Complications associated with thyroid nodules include:
Hyperthyroidism. Problems can occur when a nodule or goiter produces thyroid hormone, leading to hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can result in weight loss, muscle weakness, heat intolerance, and anxiousness or irritability.
Potential complications of hyperthyroidism include an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation); weak bones (osteoporosis); and thyrotoxic crisis, a sudden and potentially life-threatening intensification of signs and symptoms that requires immediate medical care.
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Thyroid nodules
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