Is Your Thyroid In Trouble?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. This gland regulates the way the body uses energy from food and is part of the endocrine system. Thyroids process the hormones behind body temperature, burn calories, and even control the heart rate. From time to time, lumps on the thyroid can develop called thyroid nodules. Nodules are pretty standard. Over 50% of Americans develop thyroid nodules by age 60.
Look for these thyroid nodule symptoms
Most cases of thyroid nodules are not life-threatening. In fact, only 5% are reported to be cancerous. Most go unnoticed, and patients generally do not know of a thyroid nodule until advised by a doctor. Thyroid nodules cause swelling in the neck area, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty breathing due to pressing against the windpipe. There are a few causes of thyroid nodules, but these 3 are the most common.
1. Possible tissue overgrowth
Most thyroid nodules are adenomas which are an overgrowth of the actual thyroid tissue. Scientists aren’t entirely sure why this happens, but the overgrowths are not cancerous or fatal. The growths could sometimes form to the point where the nodules can cause discomfort. In some cases, the growth can cause hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid that produces excessive hormone thyroxine.
2. Cysts on your thyroid
As the thyroid growths degenerate, sac-like lumps can form called cysts. Some cysts create fluid-filled cavities called simple cysts. Cavities mixed in with solid particles are complex cysts. These are also non-cancerous and vary in size. The cysts are surgically removed if a patient’s quality of life is at risk.
3. Is it Hashimoto’s disease?
Chronic inflammation is a common cause of thyroid nodules, also called Hashimoto’s disease. Hashimoto’s disease is hereditary and primarily affects women. The inflammation can affect the function of the thyroid. Hashimoto’s disease can cause hypothyroidism symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and cold body temperature.
Thyroids and neck mass biopsies
Some thyroid nodules are treatable without surgery. Still, a doctor can only know for sure with an ultrasound and a neck mass biopsy. A biopsy is a sample of tissue removed to determine if further treatment is necessary. The doctor will perform the biopsy using a fine needle in a quick, outpatient procedure. A lab then examines the mass under a microscope and provides a detailed report.
Here’s when you’ll need a biopsy
The primary reason for a neck mass biopsy is to check for cancer. Another reason could be if other tests, like blood tests or CT scans, were inconclusive. If a thyroid nodule is cancerous and detected early, a surgeon can safely remove the mass. Thyroid cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, and the growth is terminated before the cancerous cells further populate.
Don’t ignore the signs
Look for symptoms like discomfort in the throat area, swelling, or weight loss. If these signs are ongoing, seek assistance from a doctor right away. Thyroid nodules are treatable through non-surgical means such as anti-thyroid medications, beta-blockers, and radioactive iodine. However, there are cases where a biopsy is needed to scan for cancer. A biopsy could be life-saving, clearing up those nodules for good. For more information, speak with a healthcare provider.
Recent Posts
Will I Need Assistance At Home Following Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
Carpal tunnel can be debilitating and sometimes requires surgery. Most people need some assistance at home during recovery.
Post-Operative Precautions Following Ear Tube Placement
Post-operative precautions after ear tube surgery are important. Taking medications and attending follow-up visits can help with recovery.
The Problems A Deviated Septum Can Cause: When To Schedule Your Septoplasty
A deviated septum occurs when the bony structure separating the nostrils is crooked. Problems can often be helped by septoplasty.
Being Pain Free: Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections For Relief
Chronic back or neck pain can benefit from transforaminal epidural steroid injections. The quick procedure can provide pain-free relief.
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
