The thyroid nodule is a butterfly-like organ that grows in front of the trachea and is richly connected to the nerves and blood vessels, as well as to the throat, so that’s why it moves when we swallow. There are three main types of thyroid nodules, one is nodular goiter, which is a degenerative lesion, the second is a real tumor, which is a benign tumor, and the third is the one we are most concerned about, which is thyroid cancer. According to a large number of foreign statistics, thyroid cancer can reach 5% to 10% of all surgically removed thyroid nodules, so this percentage is also quite high. The incidence rate of thyroid nodules is generally considered to be around 3% or 4%, but in individual mountainous areas with high incidence, it can reach 7% or 8%, and very few can reach 10%.
Ultrasound of the thyroid gland can easily detect some early nodules. Once a swelling is found in the neck, you will be advised to go to the hospital for further examination and, if necessary, surgery. In the past, if the swelling is to be removed, the doctor recommends that it is best to remove the swelling surgically to avoid deterioration of the condition.
It is up to the pathologist to make the final determination and they decide whether the nodule is benign or malignant.