How common are thyroid nodules?

Thyroid nodules are very common, detectable by ultrasound in up to 50-60% of adults. However, only about 5% of nodules are cancerous, and most require no treatment beyond monitoring.

Do all thyroid nodules need a biopsy?

No, only nodules with suspicious features on ultrasound or those above a certain size threshold typically require biopsy. Your doctor will use established guidelines to determine if a biopsy is warranted.

Can thyroid nodules shrink on their own?

Some thyroid nodules, particularly cystic ones, may shrink or resolve over time. Solid nodules generally remain stable or grow slowly. Regular monitoring helps track any changes.

EndocrineICD-10: E04.1Palpable nodules found in 5-7% of adults; up to 60% detected by ultrasound

Thyroid Nodules

Also known as: Thyroid lumps, Thyroid cysts

Thyroid nodules are growths or lumps within the thyroid gland that are very common, particularly in women and older adults. The vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign and do not cause symptoms, but a small percentage may be cancerous. Most nodules are discovered incidentally during imaging studies or physical examinations and require evaluation to rule out malignancy.

Symptoms

Usually no symptoms for small nodules

Visible or palpable lump in the neck

Sensation of pressure or fullness in the throat

Difficulty swallowing or breathing if the nodule is large

Hoarseness or voice changes

Hyperthyroidism symptoms if the nodule produces excess thyroid hormone

Causes

Iodine deficiency
Overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue
Thyroid cyst formation
Chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease)
Thyroid cancer in a small percentage of nodules

Risk Factors

Female sex
Increasing age
History of radiation exposure to the head or neck
Family history of thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer
Iodine-deficient diet

Diagnosis

Thyroid ultrasound to characterize the nodule
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy for suspicious nodules
Thyroid function blood tests (TSH)
Radioactive iodine scan if the nodule is functioning

Treatment

Monitoring with periodic ultrasound for small, benign nodules
Thyroid hormone suppression therapy in select cases
Radioactive iodine for hyperfunctioning nodules
Surgery for cancerous, suspicious, or symptomatic large nodules
Ethanol ablation or radiofrequency ablation for benign cystic nodules

Prevention

Ensuring adequate iodine intake in the diet
Regular thyroid examination for those with risk factors
No proven prevention for most thyroid nodules

When to See a Doctor

Discovery of a new lump in the neck
A nodule that is growing in size
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Family history of thyroid cancer with a new nodule

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Thyroid Cancer

Cancer

Hypothyroidism

Endocrine

Hyperthyroidism

Endocrine

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