Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are overgrowths of tissue in the thyroid gland. This may be HOT i.e functional- producing thyroid hormone or COLD (non functional)- not secreting thyroid hormone. Hot nodules are discussed in the previous section. Cold nodules need further investigation as there is good evidence that 6-8% of these nodules can be cancerous in nature.

Therefore any nodule in the thyroid, whether noted by the patient or noticed on routine ultrasound/ CT needs further investigation. Once blood tests for thyroid function ascertains that there is no hormone excess, a further test called FNA (Fine needle aspiration) is usually required to exclude/confirm cancerous nodules. If no suspicion of cancer, then the nodules can be monitored every 6-12 months to look for any growth of the nodule.

Surgery (Thyroidectomy) by an experienced surgeon is the treatment of choice for thyroid nodules, which are suspicious of cancer or when the nodule/s are too large causing obstructive symptoms like difficulty in swallowing or breathing.