Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are strong or liquid filled protuberances that shape inside of your thyroid, a little organ situated at the base of your neck, simply over your breastbone. Some thyroid nodules, however, may become large enough to be visible or make it difficult to swallow or breathe. The symptoms included are be felt, be seen, often as a swelling at the base of your neck, press on your windpipe or esophagus, causing shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing.

Diagnosis includes Physical exam, Thyroid function tests, Ultrasonography, Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, Thyroid scan. There are several treatment options are Watchful waiting, Thyroid hormone suppression therapy, Surgery.

Nodules only without enlargement of the thyroid in 14.3% (men, 11.5%; women, 17.0%), and nodular goiter in 9.1% (men, 8.6%; women, 9.6%). Nodules (with or without goiter) between 0.5 and up to 1.0 cm were found in 10.0%, and nodules above 1.0 cm in 11.9% of the population.