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Thyroid Nodules
There are various causes of swelling of the thyroid gland, often resulting in what are known as Thyroid Nodules, lumps which do not usually interfere with the gland’s normal activity. Occasionally, the lump might cause discomfort, perhaps by making swallowing uncomfortable or even by pressing on the windpipe causing breathing difficulties. Very occasionally, the nodules can cause a hoarseness in the voice. Often, though, the nodule might be so small that it goes undetected for quite a while.
When a number of the nodules develop, a goitre is formed and often this can happen without having an impact on the formation of thyroxine by the gland. There are times, however, when more thyroid hormone is produced, hyperthyroidism, or less is produced, hypothyroidism.
There is a genetic link in the production of thyroid nodules, so it is worth knowing your family medical history. There are also certain times of a person’s life when they are more likely to develop – especially infancy, puberty and during pregnancy. There is also a clear and well-proven link between having too little iodine in the diet and the formation of goitres, although this is uncommon in the modern developed world. For a few susceptible people, however, an excess of iodine can have the same result.
Obviously one of the main concerns at discovering any lump in the throat is the worry of cancer. There are various types of cancer of the thyroid but these are uncommon and some are readily curable. Thyroid cancer is often consistent with a normal life span and responds to treatment. Far more likely, is that the nodule or goitre can be quite successfully treated, usually with a minimum of fuss.
There are four basic investigations your doctor can carry out to check if your lump needs to be treated. These involve blood tests, to check the functioning of the thyroid; X-rays and ultrasound, to give a picture of the lump; a radioisotope scan, to determine if the lump is a ‘hot’ nodule and therefore producing too much thyroid hormone; and Fine Needle Aspiration. In the last investigation, a small needle can be passed into the lump and can then either remove cells or, if the lump turns out to be a cyst, fluid.
Surgery will be used if the nodules are either unsightly of there is a suspicion of cancer. It might be that thyroxine is prescribed to reduce the size of goitres or perhaps the doctor might decide that absolutely no treatment is required as the lump is completely benign and might even reduce in size without intervention. There is absolutely no evidence that a thyroid nodule that begins as benign can later turn malignant.
So, if you do find a lump or swelling in the throat, a visit to the doctor is, of course, recommended. If it does transpire that you have thyroid nodules, this needs to be monitored to ensure that it is not having an impact on the function of the thyroid gland itself and, if necessary, be treated accordingly. It is important that, if your doctor decides to leave the nodules untreated, you continue to have them monitored regularly in case they become more active within the thyroid gland itself, thus enhancing the possibilities of it becoming overactive or underactive.