Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are lumps in your thyroid gland. You may have one nodule, called a solitary nodule, or you can have several, which is a condition called multinodular goiter. They tend to run in families. Sometimes, nodules produce too much thyroid hormone and cause hyperthyroidism. If you have thyroid nodules,there are a variety of treatment options available, although sometimes close observation without any treatment is preferred.
Although most do not cause symptoms, a nodule may result in pain or discomfort when swallowing, or irritation to the windpipe. Thyroid nodules are common and occur in about 4% of women and 1% of men. Sometimes several nodules will develop in the same thyroid gland.
Nodules can be a simple overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue, fluid-filled cysts, inflammation (thyroiditis), or a tumor (either benign or cancerous). However, most thyroid nodules are benign. Determining by routine physical examination or blood tests whether a thyroid nodule is cancerous or not, usually not possible. A specialist relies heavily on 2 specialized test to determine if nodules should be treated surgically: