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)
