Thyroid nodules are abnormal tissue growths in the thyroid gland that are most often benign, but in some cases (less than one in 20) they can be cancerous. Thyroid nodules are quite common, and half of all people by age 60 will have at least one nodule. While it is more common in women, it can also be seen in men.
Thyroid nodules cause local (neck) and systemic complaints.
Local complaints:
Difficulty breathing (compressing the trachea),
Difficulty swallowing (compressing the esophagus),
Change in voice quality, tired and hoarse voice (by pressing on the nerve that stimulates the vocal cords)
They reduce the blood flow to the brain by compressing the neck vessels.
They cause cosmetic problems by making swelling in the neck.
Systemic complaints;
It will vary depending on whether the thyroid gland works more or less,
If the gland produces too much hormone,
-Nervousness, palpitations, dry skin, hair loss, tremors in the hands, Complaints such as inability to gain weight, menstrual cycle irregularities, hot flashes, intestinal motility and diarrhea occur.
If the gland produces a small amount of hormone,
-Weakness, early fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression and unhappiness,
The diagnosis of thyroid nodules can be easily made with neck ultrasonography and some blood tests.
Treatment of thyroid nodules;
In cases of suspected cancer and hormone-producing nodules, the treatment is surgery, the patient needs surgery.
In nodules that do not produce hormones,
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If the nodule is larger than 3 cm, if it compresses the trachea, esophagus or nerve in the neck, if it grows into the chest, cosmetic surgery If it causes problems and there is growth in the follow-ups, surgery is recommended to the patient.
Thyroid surgery is a sensitive operation, it is vital that it be performed in a good center and by a specialist surgeon. Except for some special cases, the thyroid gland is removed as a whole, and after this operation, patients need to use medication.
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