A thyroid nodule is an abnormal growth of thyroid cells forming a solid or fluid filled lump in the thyroid. There may be a single nodule or multiple nodules identified in the thyroid. After the age of 60 more than half of the general population has thyroid nodules, most of these nodules are benign (more than 90%) and just a few turn out to be cancerous. Besides some genetic causes of some thyroid cancers, the cause of these nodules is unknown. Hashimoto (hypothyroidism) can be associated with thyroid nodules and sometimes a nodular appearance as a result of chronic inflammation of the thyroid.
How are thyroid nodules diagnosed and treated?
Most of thyroid nodules do not cause symptoms, especially if they are small. Some nodules are big enough to be felt on examination of the neck however majority of them are diagnosed by thyroid ultrasound. Because of increased imaging of the neck by CT scan, MRI or other imaging modalities, thyroid nodules are now being discovered more as compared to 20 years ago. This has lead to early diagnosis of thyroid cancer as well. If you or your doctor suspects that you might have a thyroid nodule the best test to do is a thyroid ultrasound. It’s worth mentioning that a thyroid ultrasound is only indicated if there is a suspicion of a thyroid nodule or Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid)
To determine if a thyroid nodule is cancerous or not, first your doctor will look at the thyroid ultrasound images to see if any nodule looks suspicious (based on the size, usually more than 1-1.5cm on most nodules, and features of the nodule), and if it does look suspicious a fine needle aspiration of the nodule should be done. If the nodule is found to be cancerous or suspicious then part or the whole thyroid has to be surgically removed (see thyroid cancer section). If biopsy results of the nodule comes back benign then a follow up ultrasound at least once a year is required to make sure the nodule is not growing. If it’s determined that the nodule is growing on follow up ultrasound then a repeat fine needle aspiration of the nodule should be done to rule out any possibility of a cancer.
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Related Topics: Goiter * Thyroid Cancer * Hypothyroidism/Hashimoto
* Hyperthyroidism/Grave’s Disease *
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