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. If you have a big nodule, you may be able to feel it, or you may notice swelling in your neck. It’s possible that you may also: • Feel pain in your throat or feel like your throat is full. • Have a hard time swallowing. • Have trouble breathing. • Feel nervous, have a fast heartbeat, sweat a lot, or lose weight. These are symptoms of hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. • Feel tired or depressed, have memory problems, be constipated, have dry skin, or feel cold. These are symptoms of hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. How are thyroid nodules diagnosed? Most people don’t fi
