Symptoms of Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are bumps, usually small, that form at the bottom of the neck, near the thyroid gland. Most thyroid nodules are harmless, and often go unnoticed unless they're found by a doctor during a physical examination. However, some thyroid nodules can be cancerous tumors. Early detection plays a extremely important role role in cancer treatment. Nodules can also become a day-to-day problem if they become larger; they can not only be physically uncomfortable, but can also put pressure on your throat and cause problems swallowing food.

Common Symptoms

• Smaller thyroid nodules may present no noticeable symptoms, and will only be noticed during a physical. Larger nodules can occasionally either be seen or felt. A necklace or shirt collar fitting more tightly than it did before can be an indicator that there are nodules present. Thyroid nodules can also cause hoarseness or difficulty swallowing, depending on their location and size.
  It is also possible for the nodules to raise your body's level of thyroxine, a thyroidal hormone. This causes a condition known as hyperthyroidism, which can cause sudden weight loss, rapid heart beat, muscle weakness, irritability and trouble sleeping, among other symptoms.

Testing

• The simplest method of testing for thyroid nodules is for your doctor to physically and visually locate them during a physical examination. However, as nodules are sometimes too small to be accurately identified, your doctor may use a CT or MRI scan to help locate them.
  After identifying a nodule, your doctor will determine whether or not it is harmful. Although the method of testing is up to you and your doctor, common tests include a biopsy, in which a very thin needle is inserted into the nodule. Your doctor then draws out a sample of cells for analysis. Other tests that may be performed are a thyroid scan or an ultrasound.

Treatment

• Treatment options will vary depending on what kind of nodule you have. For small, non-cancerous nodules, your doctor may decide not to do anything at all. These thyroid nodules are harmless and, unless they grow bigger, can be safely ignored.
  Thyroid nodules can also be treated with hormone therapy, which uses a synthetic form of thyroxine, called levothyroxine, to suppress and reduce the size of the nodule. A radioactive iodine treatment, which is also used to treat goiters, is also an option.
  Surgical removal of the nodule is usually reserved for thyroid nodules that are either particularly large, or cancerous. This procedure can be dangerous, and can potentially cause damage to the thyroid or vocal cords.