If thyroid nodules are benign and asymptomatic, regular checkups are usually sufficient; if the size of the nodule increases and pressure symptoms occur or there is a tendency of malignant changes, surgery may be needed; if the nodule leads to abnormalities in thyroid function, antithyroid medication or levothyroxine may be needed for treatment. Most thyroid nodules are asymptomatic and benign, and are detected during physical examination. Some thyroid nodules are large in size and may cause pressure symptoms such as dyspnea and dysphagia, in which case it may be necessary to consult a doctor for surgical relief of the pressure symptoms. If the nature of the nodule is suspected to be malignant, surgery is usually required. If the nodule causes hyperthyroidism, it may need to be treated with oral antithyroid drugs such as methimazole and propylthiouracil; if the nodule causes hypothyroidism, it may need to be treated with levothyroxine. Patients are advised to go to the hospital in time when they develop thyroid nodules to avoid delaying their condition.