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Most thyroid problems don't have symptoms, but if you have a swelling or nodule that becomes large enough, it can be felt or even seen as a swelling in your neck. Most thyroid swellings are non-cancerous--but not all of them, so if you experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
A goitre is a swollen thyroid gland or a lump in the thyroid gland. There are no other symptoms - although goitre often occurs with either raised or lowered thyroid hormone levels which have their own symptoms.
Thyroid nodules are lumps that form near the thyroid gland, which is located at the bottom of your neck. Most thyroid nodules are found by your doctor during a physical examination and are harmless. Because some nodules can be cancerous, it is important to follow through with any testing your doctor may prescribe. Knowing the symptoms of thyroid nodules can assist in the early detection of thyroid disease.
Thyroid nodules can sometimes be felt when you palpitate your neck or seen as bumps in the lower neck. Enlarged lymph nodes around the thyroid nodule can cause your neck to look swollen. A shirt, necklace or any other neckwear that fits more tightly than usually, could be a sign that a nodule is present.
The size of the nodule may cause it to press against your esophagus and windpipe. You may have problems swallowing if the nodule is pressing against the esophagus, or breathing issues if the nodule is pushing against your windpipe. Usually if your breathing is constrained it will feel like you are trying to breathe through a straw.
Thyroid nodules that lay against a voice box nerve can cause hoarseness that will not disappear. The nodule can also irritate the throat which can cause an incessant cough that is not caused by a cold. In any of these symptoms, there may be some pain caused by the nodule. The pain can be in the neck, jaw and will sometimes spread up to the ear.
A thyroid nodule can also raise your body's level of a thyroidal hormone called thyroxine. The raising of thyroxine can cause a condition called hyperthyroidism, which is also called an over-active thyroid. Hyperthyroidism causes a rapid heartbeat, sudden weight loss, irritability, sleeplessness and muscle weakness. If you are female, you may find that your periods have become erratic.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you suffer from any of these symptoms. Your doctor will test the hormone levels in your blood and if needed they will order ultrasounds to better examine the thyroid. Remember, early detection is the key to good health.
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What are the thyroid nodules symptoms and what to do about them?
There are usually no symptoms associated with thyroid nodules unless they become so large that they can be felt or seen at the base of your neck. If you think you have thyroid nodules, you should seek the advice of a physician because sometimes they can be cancerous.
What are thyroid nodules symptoms?
There are no definite symptoms specific to having thyroid nodules. What the sufferer will feel is generally unwell. They are also likely to have unexplained loss of weight and appetite.
How serious is lumps on thyroid gland?
The great majority of thyroid nodules aren't serious and don't cause symptoms. Thyroid cancer accounts for only a small percentage of thyroid nodules.
What are some symptoms of thyroid nodules?
Many times thyroid nodules present no symptoms. However, weight loss, nervousness, neck swelling and difficulty swallowing could indicate symptoms and you should consult your doctor.
Can thyroid nodules appear in pregnancy?
Thyroid nodules can appear at any stage of life. As for pregnancy, during the first trimester a pregnant woman will experience symptoms that are similar to hypothyroidism; regardless of whether she had a thyroid issue prior to pregnancy. It's during this time of pregnancy when a woman may find out that she has a thyroid condition.Related Article: Pregnancy and Your Thyroid
How do thyroid nodules go away?
I have multiple thyroid nodules. I also have lupus can autoimmune cause the nudules?
Nodules on the thyroid?
Nodules in the thyroid may be cancerous or benign. They may be *hot* (producing hormone) or *cold (not producing hormone).
What statement best describes the process that takes place in these nodules?
The nodules likely refer to thyroid nodules. The process within these nodules involves the formation of abnormal growths or lumps on the thyroid gland. These nodules can be benign or malignant and may affect thyroid function. Further evaluation, such as biopsy or imaging, may be needed to determine the nature of the nodules.
Can thyroid nodules cause thyroid to not work well?
A thyroid nodule is a lump in or on the thyroid gland. Any time a lump is discovered in thyroid tissue, the possibility for cancer needs to be considered. Fortunately, the vast majority of thyroid nodules tend to be benign.
What are thyroid nodules and what symptoms of thyroid nodules?
Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths that form lumps on the thyroid gland in your neck. Nodules may be filled with solid or fluid. The vast majority of thyroid nodules are not cancerous, do not cause any health problems, and do not require treatment. In fact, autopsies show that nearly half of all adults develop thyroid nodules; most of these remain asymptomatic throughout life. Thyroid nodules run in families and are more likely to occur if you've been exposed to radiation or have another thyroid condition.Sometimes, a nodule may produce too much thyroid hormone. This can cause an imbalance in how much thyroid hormone the healthy gland makes, which in turn may cause noticeable symptoms.What symptoms might indicate the presence of thyroid nodules?A lump on your thyroid or swelling in your neck, if the nodule is unusually bigA rapidly growing lump in your neckDifficulty swallowingDifficulty breathingThroat pain that may travel up to the ear or jawFeeling like your throat is fullDifficulty speaking or hoarseness (rare)Enlarged lymph nodes or other glands in the neckSymptoms of hyperthyroidism (too much hormone): feeling nervous or restless, excessive sweating, a fast or irregular heartbeat, clammy skin, or sudden, unexplained weight lossSymptoms of hypothyroidism (too little hormone): feeling tired or depressed, constipation, facial swelling, dry skin, hair loss, not being able to tolerate cold, unintentional weight gain, or memory problemsWhen should you see a doctor?If you notice unusual swelling in your neck that persists for over two weeks, you should consult a physician. It's even more urgent if you're having trouble with breathing or swallowing.A hoarse voice that isn't caused by an infection and that lingers for over a month should also be evaluated by a physician.And visiting your doctor is advised if you develop any symptoms that suggest hyperthyroidism: sudden weight loss, trouble sleeping, a pounding heart, nervousness or irritability, or muscle weakness.
Are nodules risky?
According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, a thyroid nodule is a lump in or on the thyroid gland. Any time a lump is discovered in thyroid tissue, the possibility for cancer needs to be considered. Fortunately, the vast majority of thyroid nodules tend to be benign. The AACE says nodules can be caused by a simple overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue, fluid-filled cysts, inflammation, or a tumor.
Thyroid nodule?
DefinitionA thyroid nodule is a growth (lump) in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck.Alternative NamesThyroid tumor; Thyroid adenoma; Thyroid carcinoma; Thyroid incidentalomaCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThyroid nodules are growths of cells in the thyroid gland. These growths can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Some nodules are fluid-filled (cysts), while others are made of thyroid gland cells. Sometimes, what feels like one nodule will actually be a collection of small nodules.Thyroid nodules are more common in women than in men. A person's chance of a thyroid nodule increases with age.Only a few thyroid nodules are cancerous. (See: Thyroid cancer)The following characteristics increase the chances that a thyroid nodule is cancerous:A hard noduleA nodule that is stuck to nearby structuresFamily history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIFamily history of thyroid cancer, especially medullary thyroid carcinomaHoarse voice due to vocal cord paralysisAge -- younger than 20 years or older than 70History of radiation exposure to the head or neckMale genderCauses of thyroid nodules are not always found, but can include:Hashimoto's diseaseIodine deficiencySymptomsMost thyroid nodules produce no symptoms.Large nodules can press against other structures in the neck. Symptoms may include:Difficulty breathingDifficulty swallowingGoiterHoarseness or changing voicePain in the neckNodules that produce thyroid hormones will cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including:Bounding pulseClammy skinIncreased appetiteNervousnessRestlessnessSkin blushing or flushingWeight lossThyroid nodules are sometimes found in people who have Hashimoto's disease. Hashimoto's disease may cause hypothyroidism, with symptoms such as:Dry skinFacial swellingFatigueHair lossIntolerance to coldUnintentional weight gainSigns and testsVery often, nodules produce no symptoms. Doctors will find thyroid nodules only during a routine physical exam or imaging tests that are done for another reason. However, thyroid nodules that are big enough to feel during a physical exam occur in a few people.If the doctor finds a nodule or you have symptoms of a nodule, the following tests may be done:Fine needle aspiration biopsyThyroid scanThyroid ultrasoundTSH levelTreatmentYour health care provider may recommend surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid gland if the nodule is:CancerousBelieved to be making your thyroid overactive (hyperthyroid)Cannot be diagnosed as cancer or noncancerCause symptoms such as swallowing or breathing problemsPatients with overactive nodules may be treated with radioactive iodine, which reduces the size and activity of the nodule. However, in rare cases the treatment can cause hypothyroidism and inflammation of the thyroid gland (radiation-induced thyroiditis). Pregnant women should not be given this treatment. Women being treated with radioactive iodine should not get pregnant.Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone) is a drug that suppresses the production of the thyroid hormone T4. A doctor may prescribe levothyroxine to treat noncancerous nodules only in special cases.Careful follow-up is the only recommended treatment for benign nodules that do not cause symptoms and are not growing. A thyroid biopsy may need to be repeated 6 - 12 months after diagnosis. An ultrasound may be repeated as well.Other possible treatments include ethanol (alcohol) injection into the nodule and laser therapy.Expectations (prognosis)Noncancerous thyroid nodules are not life threatening. Many do not require treatment, only follow-up. Noncancerous nodules that do need treatment have an excellent outlook.The outlook for cancerous nodules depends on the type of cancer.See also: Thyroid cancerComplicationsHyperthyroidism is a common complication of noncancerous thyroid nodules.Complications of treatment can include:Hoarse voice if vocal cord nerves are damaged during surgeryHypothyroidism from surgery or radioactive iodine therapyLow blood calcium (hypocalcemia) from hypoparathyroidism if parathyroid glands are accidentally damaged or removed during surgeryCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you feel or see a lump in your neck, or if you experience any symptoms of a thyroid nodule.If you have been exposed to radiation in the face or neck area, call your health care provider. A neck ultrasound can be done to look for thyroid nodules.PreventionThe reason for most thyroid nodules is unknown. A diet with enough iodine will help prevent some nodules.ReferencesGharib H, Papini E, Valcavi R, et al.; AACE/AME Task Force on Thyroid Nodules. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Associazione Medici Endocrinologi medical guidelines for clinical practice for the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules. Endocr Pract. 2006;12:63-102.Schlumberger MJ, Filetti S, Hay ID. Nontoxic Diffuse and Nodular Goiter and Thyroid Neoplasia. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 13.
