What is a Thyroid Nodule?

What is a Thyroid Nodule?

A thyroid nodule is the abnormal growth of thyroid cells within the gland. While 4–7% of nodules can be detected by physical examination in adults, ultrasound studies reveal nodules in up to 76% of cases.

Thyroid nodules are clinically important because they may cause thyroid dysfunction and may also develop into thyroid cancer.

Classification:

• Benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous)

Risk factors for thyroid nodule development include:

• Age: 50% prevalence in people over 60

• Gender: Four times more common in women

• Family history: Strongly increases the risk if thyroid disease is present in the family

• Iodine deficiency: Higher prevalence in iodine-deficient regions

• Radiotherapy/radiation exposure: Especially to the head and neck region

• Autoimmune diseases: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) and Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism)

Symptoms (often absent in early stages, may appear later):

• Cosmetic: Visible lump in the neck

• Compression symptoms:

  • Dysphonia (hoarseness)

  • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

  • Dyspnea (shortness of breath)

• Hormonal imbalance: May lead to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism