Detecting any new lumps or bumps on your body can be understandably concerning, even when the change you detect is ultimately harmless. Paying attention to these physical changes and bringing them to your doctor’s attention is applauded, as they sometimes can be a sign of an issue that needs medical attention. This is especially true in the case of thyroid nodules: While they’re often harmless, a small percentage do need treatment.
Here, we explain what these growths are and what to do if you discover one.
What Are Thyroid Nodules?
To understand thyroid nodules, it’s helpful to first have a quick refresher on the thyroid gland. This butterfly-shaped organ sits at the front of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. It produces hormones that affect nearly every system in your body, from digestion to your heart, lungs, and internal temperature. Several issues can develop with your thyroid, a common one being thyroid nodules.
In fact, these small bumps have been detected in between one-third and slightly over half of the global population. They’re made up of an abnormal collection of thyroid cells, but a majority of them are benign, or non-cancerous. Sometimes, a thyroid nodule is simply a cyst filled with fluid. In other cases, it may be a colloid nodule, which is a harmless overgrowth of tissue that won’t spread past your gland. Rarely, a thyroid nodule may contain cancerous cells, but it’s important to determine that as soon as possible, especially for women, who have an increased risk.
Only a small percent of thyroid nodules have cancer cells present. Diagnostic testing is required to find out for sure, which is why you should alert your provider to any changes on or around your thyroid. In addition to a detectable lump, other nodule symptoms could include difficulty breathing or swallowing, changes in your voice, and discomfort in the affected area.
What Are the Symptoms of Cancerous Thyroid Nodules?
Beyond the presence of a lump and the symptoms listed above, thyroid cancer could present as:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
Wondering when to worry about thyroid nodules? We’d advise you to stay calm in all cases, but also to be proactive about seeing your doctor. There are several tests we can use to assess thyroid nodules, including blood tests and imaging. Ultrasounds, for example, give your provider a better idea of the size, location, and composition of the nodule. Sometimes, biopsies are also performed, in which a small needle is used to draw a sample of tissue which is then sent to a lab for testing.
While it can be unsettling to wait for biopsy results, it may be helpful to remember that the odds are in your favor when it comes to thyroid nodules, particularly when you act quickly. Even in cases where cancer is identified, it’s often highly treatable. In fact, the probability of surviving the most common type of thyroid cancer for at least two decades beyond treatment is overwhelmingly strong — at 98%. Approaches to treatment may involve removing the gland, followed by thyroid hormone medications to keep your body functioning well thereafter, but it will be determined by your care specialists
If you’ve discovered a change in your body that calls for medical attention, allow our doctors to help. From primary care providers to lab services and referrals, we offer comprehensive care to support your overall wellness from head to toe, inside and out. Send us a message online or find a location nearest to you to schedule an appointment.
