Thyroid Nodules

What are thyroid nodules?

Thyroid nodules are growths or lumps inside the thyroid gland. They are common, especially in women and older adults. Most nodules do not cause problems, but a small number can be cancerous.

Symptoms of thyroid nodules

Most nodules do not cause symptoms. When they do, symptoms may include:

• A lump in the front of the neck
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Rarely, symptoms of overactive thyroid such as weight loss, nervousness, or rapid heartbeat

What causes thyroid nodules?

Causes may include:

• Overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue
• Thyroid cysts (fluid-filled nodules)
• Chronic thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis)
• Iodine deficiency (rare in the U.S.)
• Thyroid cancer (uncommon)

How are thyroid nodules diagnosed?

Your doctor may order:

• A physical exam and neck check
• Thyroid blood tests (TSH and hormone levels)
• Ultrasound to look at the nodule
• Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to test cells if cancer is suspected

Can thyroid nodules be prevented or avoided?

Most nodules cannot be prevented. Getting enough iodine in your diet may lower risk, but iodine deficiency is rare in the U.S.

Thyroid nodules treatment

Treatment depends on the size, type, and test results:

• Watchful waiting with regular ultrasound for small, benign nodules
• Thyroid hormone suppression therapy (rarely used now)
• Radioactive iodine or surgery for nodules causing symptoms or producing too much hormone
• Surgery if cancer is suspected or confirmed
  

Living with thyroid nodules

Most nodules are harmless and monitored over time. Your doctor may recommend repeat ultrasounds and thyroid tests. If your nodule is cancerous, treatment is usually successful, especially when caught early.