What are thyroid nodules?
Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths or lumps in the thyroid gland. Most nodules are not cancerous (benign) and do not cause problems. Many do not even need treatment. Only about 5% of thyroid nodules are cancerous.1 Cancerous nodules have to be surgically removed. In rare cases, thyroid nodules cause thyroid problems. Hyperthyroidism can develop when a nodule makes too much thyroid hormone and causes the thyroid gland to be overactive, or work too hard. What causes thyroid nodules? Experts do not know the exact cause of thyroid nodules. But, they do know that people who have been exposed to radiation have a greater chance of developing thyroid nodules. They also know that thyroid nodules tend to run in families. What are the symptoms? Most thyroid nodules are so small that you do not even know you have one. If you have a big nodule, you may be able to feel it or you may notice that your neck is swollen.
Thyroid nodules are small lumps which develop in the thyroid gland, a gland located at the base of the neck. These growths are extremely common, appearing in an estimated 50% of all people, and the vast majority of them are benign. In fact, thyroid nodules have been discovered in greater numbers since the development of sophisticated medical imaging equipment, as they often show up on tests performed to look for other things. This would suggest that many people are living with thyroid nodules without knowing it. There are a number of different types of thyroid nodules. One of the most common is a colloid nodule, caused by an overgrowth of thyroid tissue. Thyroid cysts are filled with fluid, making them soft to the touch, while inflammatory nodules are caused by irritation, infection, or inflammation. Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules, associated with some thyroid diseases, produce hormones which trigger the thyroid to overproduce, causing hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid nodules are growths or lumps in the thyroid gland gland in the front of your neck. This gland controls how your body uses energy. Most thyroid nodules are not cancer and do not cause problems. Many don’t even need treatment. Once in a while, a thyroid nodule can cause problems. Sometimes a nodule can make too much thyroid hormone. When a nodule makes too much hormone, the rest of the gland is suppressed and actually doesn’t work as hard as usual. Only about 5 out of 100 thyroid nodules are cancer.1 In these cases, surgery to remove the nodule is necessary. What causes thyroid nodules? It is not clear what causes thyroid nodules. But people who have been exposed to radiation have a greater chance of getting them. Also, the nodules tend to run in families. So if your parents had thyroid nodules, you are more likely to have one. What are the symptoms? Most thyroid nodules are so small that you don’t even know you have one.
A thyroid nodule is a growth of thyroid tissue or a fluid-filled cyst that forms a lump. They are very common. The chances are 1 in 10 that you or someone you know will develop a thyroid nodule. Chances of developing nodules increase as you get older. You may not be aware that you have a nodule, but may notice it if it starts to grow, especially if it s visible. Although symptoms are not common, a nodule that is large enough may sometimes cause pain or hoarseness, or get in the way of swallowing or breathing. Doctors are concerned about thyroid nodules because they can sometimes be cancerous. Thyroid cancer is found in about 8% of men (or 8 out of 100) and in 4% of women (or 4 out of 100). About 90 to 95% of all thyroid nodules are benign (noncancerous). The cause of most benign nodules is not known but are often found in members of the same family. Worldwide, lack of iodine in the diet is the most common cause of nodules.
A thyroid nodule is an abnormal growth (lump) of thyroid cells within the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a hormone-producing, butterfly-shaped organ (or gland) that is located on the front of the neck, just under the Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland, which is made up of a right lobe and a left lobe, produces and secretes thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. Thyroid hormones are important to functions that include regulating the metabolic rate and body temperature, and helping to maintain heart functioning. What causes a thyroid nodule to form? Sometimes normal tissue begins to grow causing one or more nodules to form. The most important cause related to the development of thyroid nodules is thyroid cancer, but this, fortunately, is a very rare cause (about 5%). Other causes can include an iodine deficiency, suppression of thyroid hormone, and Hashimoto’s disease (a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland). Most thyroid nodules are benign (noncancerous).
