Thyroid Nodule, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

Thyroid nodule is medical disorder in which an abnormal swelling forms when the thyroid tissues starts to proliferate in one part of the thyroid gland. A thyroid nodule is a lump (growth) in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the neck, just above where the collarbones meet in the middle. Who are at risk of thyroid nodule?1. Thyroid nodules are found 4x more in females than in male.2.
However the thyroid nodules in males are more prone to malignancy than in females3. Thyroid nodules occur more in the 30-60 age group. Causes:Thyroid nodules are growths of cells in the thyroid gland. These growths can be:1. Not cancer (benign) or thyroid cancer2. Fluid-filled (cysts)3. One nodule or a group of small nodules4. Producing thyroid hormones (hot) or not making thyroid hormones (cold)5.
Thyroid nodules are more frequent in women than in men.6. A person's chance of getting a thyroid nodule increases with age.7. Only a few thyroid nodules are due to thyroid cancer. A thyroid nodule is more likely to be cancer if you:1. Have a hard nodule2. Have a nodule that is stuck to nearby structures3. Have a family history of thyroid cancer4. Have noticed a change in the voice5. Are younger than 20 or older than 706.
Have a history of radiation exposure to the head or neck7. Are maleCauses of thyroid nodules are not always found, but can include:1. Hashimoto's disease2. Lack of iodine in the dietWhat are the different types of Thyroid Nodules?1. Solid - solid thyroid nodules that do not necessary feel hard2. Cystic - the nodules contain fluid.3. Benign - non malignant4. Malignant - cancerousWhat are the symptoms and signs of Thyroid Nodules?Symptoms:Most thyroid nodules do not cause symptoms.
There are usually no obvious symptomsBig thyroid nodules can press against structures in the neck, causing symptoms such as:1. Obvious swelling in the thyroid glandGoiter or an enlarged thyroid gland or lump in the neck2. Neck swelling -suggest presence of spread to the lymph node3. Hoarseness or changing voiceHoarseness of voice may occur if there is pressure on the vocal cord or recurrent nerve to vocal cord4.
Pain in the neck5. Dyspnea or breathlessness if there is pressure on the tracheaThere are problems breathing, especially when lying down flat6. Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing due to pressure on the esophagusThere are also problems swallowing foodNodules that produce thyroid hormones tend to produce symptoms of hyper-active thyroid gland, including:1. Warm, sweaty skin2. Fast pulse3. Increased appetite4.
Nervousness5. Restlessness6. Skin blushing or flushing7. Weight loss8. Irregular menstrual periodsThyroid nodules are sometimes present in people with Hashimoto's disease, which may cause symptoms of an under active thyroid gland, such as:1. Dry skin2. Face swelling3. Fatigue4. Hair loss5. Feeling cold when other people do not6. Weight gain7. Irregular menstrual periodsTABLE OF CONTENTIntroductionChapter 1 Thyroid NoduleChapter 2 CausesChapter 3 SymptomsChapter 4 DiagnosisChapter 5 TreatmentChapter 6 PrognosisChapter 7 GoiterChapter 8 Thyroid CancerEpilogue