THYROID NODULE

BASIC INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION
A benign or malignant thyroid nodule involving the thyroid gland in the front of the neck. Benign tumors are much more common, and are unlikely to spread to other body parts. These growths may be cystic or solid (thyroid adenoma). Malignant thyroid nodules can spread and threaten life. Early symptoms of both types are the same. They affect both sexes and all age groups. Benign nodules are more common in women than men, while malignant nodules are more likely to occur in children between ages 4 and 7.

FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Swelling or lump in the thyroid gland. Pain and tenderness in the thyroid gland. Swallowing difficulty. Hoarseness. Breathing difficulty (rare).  Symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism (both in Illness section).

PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Avoid radiation treatment to the neck for acne, tonsillitis, enlarged thymus gland or other minor conditions.

EXPECTED OUTCOME
Usually curable with surgery or a combination or surgery and radioactive-iodine treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Spread of malignant tumor to adjacent parts, requiring radical surgery to remove lymph nodes and muscles of one side of the neck. Hypothyroidism or hypoparathyroidism, caused by injury to the thyroid or parathyroid glands during surgery. Permanent hoarseness and loss of voice following surgery for some thyroid cancers.

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES
Diagnostic tests may include laboratory blood studies, thyroid scans, needle biopsy, ultrasound, and X-rays. Tests help rule out cancer and avoid unnecessary surgery. Treatment varies and may involve one or a combination of therapies. Suppressive doses of thyroid hormone may be used for some cases, both as an aid in diagnosis and as treatment. If nodules increase in size, surgery is recommended. Surgery to aspirate a cystic tumor or to remove a solid tumor and the affected lobe of the thyroid (near-total thyroidectomy; lobectomy). Radioactive iodine treatment.

Additional information available from the American Cancer Society, local branch listed in the telephone directory, or call 1(800)ACS-2345. Another source is the Cancer Information Clearinghouse at 1(800)4-CANCER.

MEDICATION
Antithyroid medications or replacement thyroid hormone. Radioactive iodine (I-131) to treat cancer. Pain relievers as needed.

ACTIVITY
Resume your normal activities as soon as symptoms improve after surgery. Speech therapy may be recommended if the voice is affected after surgery.

DIET
No special diet. 

NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF:
You or a family member has symptoms of thyroid nodules or thyroid enlargement. The following occur after surgery: Symptoms of hypothyroidism (fatigue, puffy face, rapid weight gain, coarse hair and decreased sex drive). Bleeding, pain or swelling at the surgical site. Fever. Twitching muscles or cramps. Breathing difficulty. New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.