How To Treat Thyroid Nodules

According to statistics, approximately ten percent of the population has thyroid nodules, and people with diseases of the thyroid gland are at higher risk for developing them.

1. Thyroid nodules resemble small tumors that grow within the thyroid gland. These nodules come in a variety of different types and can also range in size. Some people develop only one nodule within their thyroid gland, while others may have a number of them (multi-nodules). Approximately 95% of thyroid nodules are found to be benign tumors that pose no threat to those who have them. If a doctor finds nodules that are suspected of containing malignancy or that have grown large enough to pose a problem in swallowing or breathing, he may order tests that provide detailed analysis and can help determine a treatment for them.
2. Thyroid nodules can be detected and diagnosed through a variety of different tests. Detection of thyroid nodules is usually first done by feel or what is also referred to as "palpation". Many of them are found by the person who has them, while others may be found incidentally by a doctor who is conducting a physical examination.

   Once thyroid nodules are detected, further diagnostic testing may follow to determine the type of nodules that are present. A sonogram may be ordered, which is also referred to as "Thyroid Ultrasound"; this test provides detailed images that can accurately measure the size and determine the type of nodules being analyzed.

   Radiological imaging tests may also be ordered, such as CT Scans, MRI or RAI Uptake Scans, which produce detailed images by use of radioactive iodine that is given to the patient and absorbed by the thyroid.

3. Treatment for multiple or larger soft (warm) nodules is thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Most nodules are the common soft-textured type, which are referred to as "warm nodules", meaning they do not affect thyroid hormone production. This type is often cystic, meaning it has a soft center that usually contains fluid. These thyroid nodules may require no treatment, if the patient's thyroid hormone levels are within normal range and the nodules are not large enough to pose a problem to the patient. When they are of larger size or there are multiple nodules, the doctor may prescribe thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which can help to shrink thyroid nodules and stop further growth of them.
4. When thyroid nodules are firm (solid), they may need to be removed by means of thyroidectomy surgery. Firm thyroid nodules are also referred to as "cold" nodules because they do not absorb iodine from the thyroid gland and also do not release thyroid hormone, as warm (normal producing) and "hot" (overproducing) nodules do. Firm nodules appear on imaging tests as cold-areas (meaning they're non-producing). Once they are detected, a tissue biopsy of the nodule is also performed to determine the possibility of malignancy.

   If the thyroid nodules are malignant, a total thyroidectomy (total gland removal) might be performed. If the nodule is found to be benign, a partial thyroidectomy might still be performed to decrease the chances of malignancy developing at a later time. Once partial or total thyroid removal is performed, the patient will then need thyroid hormone therapy to make up for the missing thyroid gland.

If you find a thyroid nodule (or nodules) on your thyroid gland, or who suspect you may have one due to difficulty swallowing,  visit your doctor for a physical check-up.