Q: What is a thyroid nodule?
A: The thyroid gland is located in the middle of the neck. A thyroid nodule is something that grows in the thyroid gland in a round or oval shape.
Thyroid nodules are very common and are usually harmless. However, sometimes, some serious diseases can cause thyroid nodules, such as cancer.
The thyroid gland produces a hormone called “thyroxine”. Most thyroid nodules do not change the level of thyroxine in the body, but some can cause the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroxine, which can cause some symptoms.
Q: What are the symptoms of thyroid nodules?
A: Some people have no symptoms. They may have a thyroid nodule when their doctor or nurse does a routine physical exam or does other imaging tests.
Some people will have symptoms. For example, they may feel or see a lump in their neck, or exhibit symptoms of too much thyroxine, such as
Anxiety, restlessness or sleep disturbances
Weakness or fatigue
Weight loss
Increased heart rate
Excessive bowel movements
Q: Do I need to get tested?
A: Yes. Your doctor needs to know if a thyroid nodule is affecting your health. Tests include blood tests, imaging (thyroid ultrasound), etc.
Sometimes, additional tests are needed, including.
Needle aspiration biopsy: A thin needle is used to aspirate a bit of thyroid tissue from a thyroid nodule, and the tissue is then looked at by a pathologist under a microscope. Sometimes, other tests are done with this tissue as well. These tests can help the doctor determine which nodules need to be surgically removed and which nodules can be monitored for follow-up.
Thyroid scan: This test is done only if there are high levels of thyroid hormones in the body. During this test, the patient is given or injected with a medication containing a small amount of radioactive iodine. Then, a special camera is used to take pictures of the thyroid gland. This test should not be done for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Q: How are thyroid nodules treated?
A: The treatment of thyroid nodules varies with the cause and the amount of thyroid hormones, and includes
Follow-up observation: Not all thyroid nodules require treatment. If the nodule is small and does not appear to be serious, it can be followed up. However, close follow-up is needed to see if the nodule grows or needs to be treated.
Medications: Your doctor can shrink a thyroid nodule by using thyroxine medication. If you take thyroxine medication, your thyroxine levels need to be monitored regularly.
Radioactive iodine: Radioactive iodine is available in tablet and oral liquid form. It has a very small amount of radiation that can destroy a large amount of thyroid tissue and is only used for nodules that produce large amounts of thyroid hormones. It is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Surgical removal of thyroid nodules
If the nodule is filled with fluid, the fluid can be drained out of the nodule.
Q: What if I want to get pregnant?
A: If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor or nurse. Pregnant women should not be treated with radioactive iodine because it is harmful to the fetus. If a woman has radioactive iodine treatment, it should be at least 6 months before she can conceive. That way, the doctor can be sure that the thyroid nodule is no longer producing large amounts of thyroid hormones.