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
The
information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should
consult Surgery Specialist before considering treatment and should not rely on
the information above
