What are Thyroid Nodules?

Thyroid nodules are lumps that form within the thyroid, a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck. These nodules can be solid or filled with fluid. While most thyroid nodules are benign and don’t cause symptoms, knowing when to worry about thyroid nodules helps you maintain your health.

What Causes Thyroid Nodules?

Doctors aren’t sure why thyroid nodules form, but here are some factors that have been linked to their development:

• Iodine deficiency: While uncommon in the US, a lack of iodine in your diet can lead to thyroid nodules.
• Overgrowth: Sometimes, normal thyroid tissue can grow excessively, forming nodules.
• Thyroid cysts: Fluid-filled cysts can develop in the thyroid, often as a result of degenerating thyroid adenomas.
• Inflammation: Conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can cause chronic inflammation of the thyroid, leading to nodules.
• Thyroid cancer: While a vast majority of thyroid nodules are noncancerous, some are malignant.

Thyroid Nodule Symptoms

Many thyroid nodules don’t cause noticeable symptoms. However, some may lead to the following:

• Swelling in the neck if the nodules are large
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing if large nodules press on the esophagus or windpipe
• Hoarseness or voice changes caused by large nodules compressing the vocal cords
• Excess thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms like unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety

When to Worry About Thyroid Nodules

Most thyroid nodules are not harmful, but here are specific situations where you should be concerned:

• Rapid growth is a sign of malignancy and should be evaluated immediately.
• Nodules larger than 4 cm often require surgical removal as they are more likely to cause symptoms.
• Irregularities or calcification showing up on an ultrasound mean the nodule is more likely to be cancerous.
• Abnormal biopsy results require further evaluation or surgery.

Thyroid Nodule Treatment

The treatment for thyroid nodules depends on the type and symptoms. Here are some of the most common approaches:

• Watch and wait: Small, asymptomatic nodules that appear benign can be monitored with regular ultrasounds and physical exams.
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): In some extreme cases, a doctor uses an ultrasound-guided probe to expose the nodule to an electrical current, causing it to shrink.
• Nutritional therapy: Supporting the thyroid nutritionally, can often help it heal on its own. Functional Medicine providers can help with this.
• Dietary interventions: Eliminating inflammatory foods or foods your body has become sensitive to, can improve thyroid tissue and function.
• Surgery: A thyroidectomy may be necessary for nodules that are cancerous, suspicious, or affecting your ability to eat, breathe, or swallow.

Start Thyroid Treatment in San Diego

Advanced Functional Medicine offers restorative thyroid treatments for patients with hyper and hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, and other thyroid conditions. We prioritize early diagnosis and personalized treatment plans, focusing on the whole patient, not just the symptoms. To learn more about our clinic, please call us at 858-412-5744 or schedule an appointment online. We’re here to help you take charge of your thyroid health.