Thyroid Nodules and Cancers
Our thyroid gland is located in the neck. It provides energy to the most of the body’s organs and cells and also regulates how the body uses fats and carbohydrates, our body temperature and heart rate, protein production and the amount of calcium in our blood.
The thyroid can develop “thyroid nodules” which are any abnormal growth that form a lump in the thyroid gland. They can be sold or filled with fluid and might be a single nodule or a cluster of nodules. While some thyroid nodules can be felt quite easily, others can be more difficult to detect if they are located low in the gland or deep within the thyroid tissue. Thyroid nodules are quite common and if they are benign and remain unchanged, may not even require treatment.
However, all thyroid nodules need to be investigated to determine if they are benign or cancerous.
Thyroid cancer occurs when the cells in the thyroid change or mutate and begin to grow and divide in an abnormal fashion.
What are the causes of thyroid nodules and cancers?
Thyroid Nodules
In most cases, thyroid nodules result from an overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue. It isn’t known what causes thyroid overgrowth however it is believed to be genetic.
Other rare causes of thyroid nodules have been associated with:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Thyroiditis or chronic inflammation of the thyroid
- Thyroid cancer
- Iodine deficiency (rare in the Australian population due to the use of iodized salt and other multivitamins that contain iodine)
Thyroid Cancers
It isn’t known what causes thyroid cancer, but there have been certain risk factors identified including a family history of goiter, exposure to high levels of radiation and some hereditary condition.
There are different types of thyroid cancer:
- Papillary thyroid cancer (the most common form)
- Follicular thyroid cancer
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer
- Medullary thyroid cancer
- Other, rarer types of thyroid cancer
The type of thyroid cancer diagnosed determines the treatment plan.
What are the symptoms of thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer?
Symptoms vary for each individual, but can include:
- An enlarged thyroid gland or “goiter”
- Pain at the base of the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- A hoarse voice
If your thyroid nodules are causing an excess in thyroid hormone production, they can also result in the development of hyperthyroidism symptoms. You can read more about hyperthyroidism on this website.
How is it diagnosed?
Oftentimes thyroid nodules are found during a physical examination. Once the nodules have been discovered, further tests are used to diagnose and assess the nodule. These include:
- Thyroid ultrasound
- Thyroid scan
- Fine need aspiration
- Blood tests
How are thyroid nodules treated?
If benign thyroid nodules remain unchanged, they may not require treatment. However, ongoing surveillance (every 6 – 18 months) is required to determine if intervention is necessary this can include hormone medication, radioactive iodine and in severe cases where the nodule is causing ongoing difficulties with breathing and swallowing – removal of the thyroid.
How is thyroid cancer treated?
The required treatment of thyroid cancer has a number of determining factors including:
- The type and stage of the thyroid cancer
- Your age
- Your general health
What to do if you have symptoms or have detected a thyroid lump?
If you are concerned regarding symptoms of thyroid nodules, speak to your GP. If necessary, they can arrange for a referral to Dr Nandi who is an endocrinologist specialising in thyroid conditions for further investigation.
