Thyroid nodules are lumps that form within the thyroid, a gland located at the base of the neck. Although most thyroid nodules are not harmful and do not require treatment, some may be large enough to cause discomfort in breathing or swallowing. In only a small percentage of cases are thyroid nodules a sign of thyroid cancer, in which case the nodule or the entire thyroid gland has to be removed.
Diagnosis
As thyroid nodules are usually so small that you do not experience any symptoms, medical attention is necessary when you experience any swelling in the neck or have difficulty breathing or swallowing.
The doctor will diagnose the problem by first undertaking a physical examination to observe the movement of your thyroid glands. A blood test will also be done to check the levels of thyroid hormone in your body, as the presence of thyroid nodules can stimulate production of such hormones. If thyroid hormone levels are high, the doctor may conduct an ultrasound to observe the shape and structure of the nodules.
To ensure that the nodules are not cancerous, the doctor may also conduct a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy where a sample of cells is collected to distinguish whether the cells are benign or malignant. The doctor may also recommend a thyroid scan where radioactive iodine is injected in your vein to assess how well the thyroid gland is functioning.
Reference information: www.genesis-surgery.com
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