Thyroid nodules are hard or fluid-filled lumps that form on your thyroid, a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, just above your breastbone. Most thyroid nodules are not serious or malignant and do not cause any symptoms, but up to 10% carry a cancer risk. you don't know when. However, some thyroid nodules may become large enough to be visible or reach your hand when you touch your neck, or they may make it difficult to swallow and breathe. toxic goiter) may cause symptoms. Unexplained weight loss, increased sweating, tremor, palpitations, irritability can be given as examples.
Some thyroid nodules carry the risk of cancer. However, which nodules are cancerous cannot be determined by blood tests or symptoms. Most cancerous thyroid nodules grow slowly and may be small when your doctor discovers them. Some may even be so small that they cannot be noticed by touch. It may not cause any findings in your blood tests. Very aggressive thyroid cancers can cause large, firm, fixed and rapidly growing nodules, but this is very rare. Most thyroid cancers occur as nodules that grow very slowly over the years.
WHEN TO CONSULT A DOCTOR
Although most thyroid nodules are not cancerous and do not cause serious problems, especially If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, you should consult your doctor. Apart from this, when you notice swelling in your neck (especially non-painful, does not go away in a week or two and grows over time), it will be beneficial for you to be examined by your doctor and then evaluated by ultrasonography.
Get medical help if you experience signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as:
* Rapid weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
* Fast or irregular heartbeat
* Shaking hands
* Sleeping problem
* K weakness
* Irritability
* Excessive sweating, hot flashes
Your symptoms that may mean your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) See your doctor if you have:
* Feeling cold, feeling cold
* Tired quickly and feeling tired most of the day
* Dry skin, hair loss
* Memory problems
* Depression
* Constipation
A variety of conditions can cause nodules to develop on your thyroid gland, including:
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thyroid adenoma, which can be defined as excessive proliferation of normal thyroid cells and overgrowth of normal tissue in an area, is one of the lesions that form nodules. It is not malignant, but there is a possibility of reaching large sizes. Some thyroid adenomas can cause hyperthyroidism by secreting excess hormone.
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Thyroid cyst: Fluid-filled spaces (cysts) in the thyroid are formed from degenerated thyroid adenomas or containing colloid material. caused by nodules. Solid (hard) parts can often be found in thyroid cysts. Cysts are usually not cancerous, but they may contain cancerous components.
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Chronic inflammation of the thyroid: Hashimoto's disease, a thyroid disorder, is characterized by thyroid inflammation and the presence of false or true nodules. may cause formation/growth. This is a disease usually manifested by hypothyroidism.
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Multinodular goiter: The term goiter is used to describe any enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may be caused by iodine deficiency or a thyroid disorder. used. Multinodular goiter is the presence of more than one different nodule in the thyroid gland. Its frequency increases with age.
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Thyroid cancer: Approximately 10% of thyroid nodules carry a cancer risk. This risk is higher for large nodules that grow over time, become firm, and cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing. Having a family history of thyroid or other endocrine cancer and for medical treatment or nuclear fallout etc. accidental exposure to radiation increases your risk of thyroid cancer.
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Iodine deficiency: Iodine in your diet T deficiency can sometimes cause your thyroid gland to develop nodules. However, iodine deficiency is rare in our country in recent years due to the routine addition of iodine to table salt and other foods. There may be an increase in the frequency of nodules in areas where some foods classified as goitrogens (cabbage, turnip, cauliflower, radish, broccoli, etc.) are consumed excessively.
TREATMENT
Treatment options depend on the type of your thyroid nodule and are determined after various tests. The physical examination, ultrasonography and thyroid function tests to be performed by your doctor determine the approach to your nodules. In necessary cases, a biopsy with a fine needle may be needed. As a result of these examinations, you may need to have surgery for the nodule or nodules that are found to be risky. In cases where it is decided that you do not need to have surgery, your checkups should be continued without interruption with the frequencies determined by your doctor.
I wish you a healthy day.
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