ISSN: 2044-9038 (Print) 2044-9046 (Electronic)

Clinical Practice

Thyroid-nodule Research Articles

The term thyroid nodule refers to an abnormal growth of thyroid cells that forms a lump within the thyroid. Although the overwhelming majority of thyroid nodules are benign (noncancerous), alittle proportion of thyroid nodules do contain thyroid cancer. In order to diagnose and treat thyroid cancer at the earliest stage, most thyroid nodules need some sort of evaluation. Most thyroid nodules don't cause symptoms. Often, thyroid nodules are discovered incidentally during a routine physical examination or on imaging tests like CT scan or neck ultrasound finished completely unrelated reasons. Occasionally, patients themselves find thyroid nodules by noticing a lump in their neck while looking during a mirror, buttoning their collar, or fastening a necklace. Abnormal thyroid function tests may occasionally be the rationale a thyroid nodule is found. Thyroid nodules may produce excess amounts of hormone causing hyperthyroidism (see Hyperthyroidism brochure). However, most thyroid nodules, including people who cancerous, are literally non-functioning, meaning tests like TSH are normal. Rarely, patients with thyroid nodules may complain of pain within the neck, jaw, or ear. If a nodule is large enough to compress the windpipe or esophagus, it's going to cause difficulty with breathing, swallowing, or cause a “tickle within the throat”. Even less commonly, hoarseness are often caused if the nodule invades the nerve that controls the vocal cords but this is often usually associated with thyroid cancer.    

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