What exactly is a thyroid nodule? A thyroid nodule is a mass in the long thyroid gland, a scattered lesion caused by abnormal local growth of thyroid cells. In recent years, with the development of the economy and the public’s attention to health, more and more medical checkups have included thyroid examinations, thus the detection rate of thyroid nodules is increasing. Since some thyroid nodules are malignant and most of them are thyroid cancer, and the knowledge about thyroid cancer is not popular, some people mistakenly believe that thyroid nodules are thyroid cancer, which has caused people’s panic to a certain extent, and some people even talk about nodules. What are the symptoms and characteristics of thyroid nodules? In most cases, thyroid nodules do not cause any obvious symptoms. In some patients, thyroid nodules cause abnormal thyroid function (hyperthyroidism is common), resulting in symptoms such as excessive eating, excessive sweating, weight loss, irritability, heart palpitations, and menstrual disorders. When thyroid nodules are large, a prominent lump may appear in front of the neck or the neck may thicken. In some cases, symptoms such as difficulty in whistling, difficulty in swallowing, and hoarseness of voice may occur by pressing on the surrounding organs. How far is a thyroid nodule from thyroid cancer? Although thyroid nodules have various causes, in general, they have the following characteristics: 1) Most thyroid nodules are benign; 2) Most malignant thyroid nodules are thyroid cancer; 3) Benign thyroid nodules have the possibility of malignant transformation, and the probability of malignant transformation is about 1-10%. In the 21st century, thyroid cancer is creeping into us! The latest data released by Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention in April this year shows that thyroid cancer has risen to the 7th place in the incidence of malignant tumors in Guangzhou from the 10th place in 2007-2009, and the incidence rate shows a fast growing trend; moreover, thyroid cancer is more prevalent in women than men, and the incidence rate of thyroid cancer in women is in the 4th place of female malignant tumors. The key point of thyroid nodule evaluation is benign and malignant identification There is a principle of when thyroid nodules need surgery and when they can be followed and observed. This principle is the need for evaluation to identify benign and malignant, and once identified as malignant, surgery is required. The following are risk factors for thyroid cancer: (1) history of childhood radiation exposure, radiation therapy or exposure to radioactive dust; (2) family history of thyroid cancer or polyendocrine adenomatosis type 2, familial polyposis, etc.; (3) male; (4) rapidly enlarging thyroid nodules; (5) hoarseness, dysphonia, difficulty swallowing or whistling; (6) irregularly shaped nodules or nodules; (7) difficulty in swallowing or whistling; (8) difficulty in swallowing or whistling. (6) irregular shape of the nodule and adhesions to the surrounding tissue; (7) pathological enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck. High-resolution ultrasonography is the preferred method for evaluating thyroid nodules, and the interpretation of the ultrasound report should of course be left to a professional physician. However, when you see the words “hypoechoic”, “calcification”, “irregular margins” and “enlarged lymph nodes” in your ultrasound report, you should leave it to your doctor. When you see the words “hypoechoic”, “calcification”, “irregular margins” and “enlarged lymph nodes” in your ultrasound report, you should be alert. The appearance of these words often indicates changes in thyroid nodules. Although it does not mean that you have thyroid cancer, it is absolutely necessary to consult a professional doctor immediately! For high-risk thyroid nodules, the nature can also be further clarified by fine needle aspiration biopsy, which helps reduce unnecessary thyroid nodule surgery and helps determine the appropriate surgical plan. Management of benign thyroid nodules Most benign thyroid nodules require only regular follow-up and no specific treatment and can “live in peace”. Most benign thyroid nodules can be followed up at 6-12 month intervals. For suspected malignant or malignant nodules that have not been treated, the follow-up interval can be shortened. History taking and physical examination must be performed at each follow-up visit, and the neck ultrasound and serum TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) must be repeated. However, as the disease progresses, surgery is also required if the nodule affects surrounding organs. So, what kind of benign nodules require surgery? A benign thyroid nodule may require surgery if it is large, causes difficulty in breathing, swallowing, hoarseness, or is located behind the sternum or in the mediastinum. What should I do if I find a thyroid nodule? In view of the above, you should understand that finding a thyroid nodule is not a terrible thing, but the key is to know what to do next. For patients with thyroid nodules, it is very important to understand the disease correctly and to insist on regular check-ups! It is obvious that Xiao Li, who was worried when the nodules were found, is not worried and cannot sit still; Zhang should be a patient who has been guided by the doctor and knows how to correctly understand and view the results of the review; while Wang obviously still lacks the correct understanding, as the ultrasound report of the thyroid gland shows more words like “calcification” than in previous years. The words “lymph nodes” and so on, indicating that the nature of the nodules may have changed, but he did not know how to seek immediate medical attention. …… So what is the right thing to do? Generally speaking, people with thyroid nodules should have their thyroid function and thyroid ultrasound reviewed every 6-12 months. If you notice any changes in the condition of the nodules, shorten the review interval and consult a medical professional. Most benign thyroid nodules can be followed up using the above methods. If any of the following conditions occur, surgery should be considered: 1) local pressure symptoms of thyroid nodules; 2) hyperthyroidism; 3) progressive enlargement of nodules; 4) nodules suspected of being cancerous. In conclusion, if you find a thyroid nodule, you should not panic, but seek medical advice from a specialist, who will be able to help you develop a suitable treatment through relevant tests.