Thyroid Nodules and Other Disorders

Thyroid nodules are growths or lumps that develop within the thyroid gland, which is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism. Most thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous), but some can be cancerous.

The relationship between thyroid nodules and cancer is that about 5% of thyroid nodules are malignant, meaning they are cancerous. Thyroid cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer, but it is important to have thyroid nodules evaluated by a doctor to determine if they are cancerous or not.

Diagnosis of a thyroid nodule typically involves an ultrasound and a fine-needle biopsy, in which a sample of cells is taken from the nodule and examined under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous or not. If the nodule is found to be cancerous, treatment may involve surgery to remove the affected portion of the thyroid gland, followed by radioactive iodine treatment to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

It's important to see a doctor if you have a thyroid nodule or any other symptoms that may be related to the thyroid, such as changes in voice, difficulty swallowing, or neck pain or swelling. Early detection and treatment are key to a successful outcome for thyroid cancer.

If a thyroid nodule is large enough, it may cause:

• A lump or swelling in the neck

• Changes in the voice, such as hoarseness

• Difficulty swallowing

In rare cases, a large thyroid nodule may produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as:

• Nervousness, anxiety and irritability

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

• Weight loss despite increased appetite

• Increased sweating

• Tremor

• Fatigue

Other conditions or diseases of the thyroid which may cause the gland to  produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone include Graves' disease and thyroiditis. In these disorders patients may have the symptoms of hyperthyroidism described above but no nodule is present. Graves’ disease can be treated with medication, such as methimazole, with radioactive iodine and with surgery.

Patience with thyroiditis may also develop hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid. Other causes of hypothyroidism include iodine deficiency and pituitary disease. Hypothyroidism can be treated very successfully with tablets of thyroid hormone (usually synthetic human thyroid hormone).

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

•           Weight gain

•           dry skin

•           intolerance to cold

•           fatigue

•           constipation

It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's important to see a doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. A proper diagnosis can only be made after a thorough examination and some tests, such as a thyroid hormone level test, ultrasound, etc.