are usually situated at the edge of the thyroid gland, so they can be felt as a
lump upon palpating the throat. If they grow into a large enough size or when
they occur in very thin individuals, they can even sometimes be seen as a lump
in the front of the neck.
The majority of thyroid nodules produce no symptoms and are
typically caught on routine physical examination, or found by patients who feel
a lump in their throat or notice it in the mirror. Occasionally, thyroid nodules
cause pain or difficulty swallowing; this is the case when a nodule is large
enough and its location interferes with the normal passage of food through the
esophagus.
There are instances when a thyroid nodule is found incidentally
on a CT scan, MRI scan, or ultrasound scan of the neck being performed for some
other complaint, such as neck pain.
Although most thyroid nodules are benign, you will need to
be evaluated by a physician, particularly if it is affecting breathing or
swallowing. It's important to evaluate the possibility of hyperthyroidism (over
active thyroid gland) which produce the following symptoms:
·
Sudden weight loss even
though your appetite is normal or has increased
·
A pounding heart
·
Trouble sleeping
·
Muscle weakness
·
Nervousness or irritability
And despite its rarity (less than 1% of the case), thyroid
cancer must be ruled out as well.
Evaluation of a thyroid nodules includes a detailed history,
physical exam, imaging (ultrasound, thyroid scan), and maybe a biopsy (fine
needle aspiration FNA).
Treatment will depend on the diagnosis: from no
intervention at all and watchful waiting, to thyroid hormone replacement
therapy (in case of hypothyroidism), to ablation with radioactive iodine, to
surgical resection,
it means thyroid nodule. and it depends on its acticvity ( hot or cold) ie if it secrete your thyroid hormone and causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, tachycardia irritabitlity cold intolerance aggressivity or if doesnt cause symptoms. you should be seen by an endocrinologist to test the specific test
