What are Thyroid Nodules?

Are you feeling fullness when you swallow? Is there a lump on your throat? It could be thyroid nodules. Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths or lumps that form within the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. These nodules can vary in size and may be solid or filled with fluid. While the majority of thyroid nodules are non-cancerous (benign) and do not typically cause noticeable symptoms, they can sometimes grow large enough to be felt or seen as a visible swelling in the neck.

How Do We Diagnose Thyroid Nodules?

Woman holding her neck wondering, "Do I need a thyroidectomy?"

When you come to see us with a thyroid nodule, the first step is a thorough assessment. We will do a physical examination, review of your medical history, and imaging studies such as ultrasound to determine the size, location, and characteristics of the nodule. In some cases, we may perform a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. This is where we take a small sample of the nodule to determine if it is benign or potentially cancerous (malignant).

How Do We Treat Thyroid Nodules?

The treatment approach for thyroid nodules depends on several factors, including the size, appearance on imaging, and biopsy results.

Medication: In some cases, medication, such as thyroid hormone replacement therapy, may be prescribed to regulate thyroid function and potentially shrink the nodule.
Observation: If the nodule is small, non-cancerous, and not causing symptoms, the patient may simply be monitored through regular follow-up appointments to track any changes in size or characteristics.
Minimally invasive procedures: If the nodule is giving you problems with swallowing or breathing or if it is suspicious for cancer, an ENT specialist may recommend minimally invasive procedures. These can include ultrasound-guided FNA biopsy, minimally invasive surgery, such as radiofrequency ablation or ethanol injection, to shrink or remove the nodule.
Surgical removal: In cases where the nodule is large, causing significant symptoms, or is confirmed to be cancerous, surgical removal of the nodule or a portion of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) may be necessary.

Our primary focus is on the well-being and optimal thyroid health of our patients, and we are committed to delivering the highest level of expertise and care in managing thyroid nodules.

Questions about your thyroid nodule evaluation? Call Us

Call 772-247-5109