I. What is it?

Thyroid nodules, also called as goiter, are one of the disorders of the thyroid gland, where the endocrine gland is enlarged. The enlargement of this organ is said to be diffused, where it could be that the whole gland is enlarged or only its nodules. In addition, thyroid nodules are small lumps, growing in the thyroid gland area. Thyroid nodules can be very small in size although they grow bigger in centimeters. They appear in the thyroid glands either singly or in groups with different sizes. Until now, the cause of the occurrence of these nodules is yet to be determined.

II. Its symptoms

Although thyroid nodule is a common condition, most of its occurrence does not show any symptoms. Usually, thyroid nodules can be determined through a routine physical examination or just by noticing a lump in the neck area. It should be known that if the nodule is made up of thyroid cells, then the patient may be suffering from hyperthyroidism. In some cases where the nodule is large enough, difficulty in swallowing may be experienced or difficulty in breathing can be felt as the enlarged nodule may press on the windpipe.

According to Medline Plus, about 90 to 95 percent of the nodules is not cancerous and only five percent of it can lead to cancer. However, all nodules in the thyroid should be examined thoroughly.

III. Thyroid nodule treatment

Thyroid nodules growing in the neck area should be evaluated by a physician. As part of the thyroid nodule’s diagnosis, blood tests should be done. Some ways to diagnose thyroid nodules are thyroid fine needle biopsy, ultrasound imaging and radioactive iodine scanning. These methods can identify whether a certain nodule is cancerous and can therefore lead to further ways of treatment.

Thyroid nodule treatment depends on its probable cause. In some cases, if the nodule appears to be non cancerous, it may be monitored to trace its enlargement. Some thyroid hormones may be taken in order to halt activities of the gland and prevent it from growing.

Moreover, when the nodule appears to be cancerous, thyroid nodule surgery is needed to avoid spreading of possible cancer cells to other parts of the body.