Thyroid Nodules and Tumors

Overview and Facts about Thyroid Nodules and Tumors

Thyroid nodules or tumors are an abnormal growth of cells that form a tumor inside the thyroid gland. Typically, thyroid nodules start out as benign tumors, although they may become cancerous over time.

However, a small percentage of thyroid nodules do contain cancer cells, so this condition does need evaluation. This condition is usually diagnosed by an expert in otolaryngology, otherwise known as an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

Symptoms and Signs of Thyroid Nodules and Tumors

Often, thyroid nodules will not produce any symptoms. However, signs and symptoms of thyroid nodules may include:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Hoarseness or voice change
• Neck pain
• Goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland)

Tests and Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules and Tumors

If you have been experiencing the above symptoms, your doctor will order one or more of the following tests:

• Thyroid hormone level test: This is a blood test designed to measure the level of hormones secreted by the thyroid gland.
• Thyroid ultrasound: Your doctor will use an ultrasound to see if the nodules are solid or contain fluid. This test can also be used to check the growth of nodules.
• Fine-needle biopsy: Your doctor will use a very fine needle to take a cell sample from a thyroid nodule. It will be tested in the lab to see if it is benign or contains cancer cells.
• Thyroid scan: You will swallow a small amount of radioactive iodine. Your doctor will be able to assess how much of the iodine is absorbed by the thyroid nodules and by the healthy thyroid tissue. 

Causes and Risk Factors of Thyroid Nodules and Tumors

Thyroid nodules are known to have a genetic component and are more common among women than men. Additionally, the risk of thyroid nodules increases with age.

Possible causes of thyroid nodules include:

• Thyroid cysts: This type of nodule is completely or partially filled with fluids
• Colloid nodules: In this case, one or more nodules develop within the thyroid gland, but they are benign
• Inflammatory nodules: These nodules are the result of longer-term inflammation, and they can be painful
• Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules: This type of thyroid nodule produces the thyroid hormone autonomously, which can lead to a condition known as hyperthyroidism 
• Multinodular goiter: This type of tumor is comprised of a cluster of nodules that are usually benign
• Thyroid cancer: Fewer than one percent of thyroid nodules contain cancer cells

Treatment and Care for Thyroid Nodules and Tumors

Providing the nodule is benign, several treatment options are available:

• Watchful waiting: If a biopsy has confirmed that you have one or more benign thyroid nodules, then your doctor may recommend keeping an eye on your condition. They will give you an examination and a thyroid function test on a regular basis.
• Thyroid hormone suppression therapy: Your doctor will treat the benign nodule with levothyroxine, a synthetic form of thyroxine that is taken orally. The aim of this treatment is to make the pituitary gland produce less of the hormone that stimulates thyroid tissue growth.
• Surgery: Although the nodule may be benign, if it is so large that it is causing difficulty with breathing or swallowing, it will be removed.