Thyroid nodules are lumps that appear on the thyroid gland in the neck. This lump can be felt hard and solid, or can alsosluggishek and filled with liquid. Thyroid nodules can be caused by several things. starting from Iodine deficiency to tumors or thyroid cancer.
Thyroid nodules are one of the most common types of thyroid disease, both in men and women. In most cases, this condition is harmless and is not caused by a serious illness. However, when a lump begins to enlarge or a thyroid nodule interferes with thyroid hormone production, a number of complaints can arise.
Types of Thyroid Nodules
There are several types of thyroid nodules, including:
1. Colloidal nodules
These thyroid nodules are noncancerous. Nodules or lumps may enlarge, but do not spread beyond the thyroid gland.
2. Thyroid cyst
These thyroid nodules are filled with fluid or blood. Thyroid cysts can form from the growth of thyroid tumor tissue, for example in thyroid adenoma. Thyroid cysts are usually benign, but in some cases, they can be composed of malignant (cancerous) tissue.
3. Inflammatory nodules
These thyroid nodules arise as a result of chronic inflammation and cause swelling of the thyroid gland. This type of inflammatory thyroid nodule can be caused by Hashimoto's disease.
4. Multinodular goiter
A goiter or enlargement of the thyroid gland with many nodules is generally benign, and often occurs when the body has a long-term lack of iodine or certain thyroid diseases.
5. Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules
These nodules produce too much thyroid hormone, causing hyperthyroidism. As a result, various health problems and diseases will appear, such as heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias), high blood pressure, and even heart attacks.
6. Thyroid cancer
These thyroid nodules are malignant, but are very rare. There are several types of thyroid cancer, depending on the origin of the cells or thyroid tissue. In its early stages, thyroid cancer often has no characteristic symptoms.
Thyroid Nodule Symptoms
Thyroid nodules rarely cause symptoms, especially when they are small. Generally, these lumps are only detected when a person undergoes a general health examination.
Complaints usually only arise when the lump is getting bigger. Symptoms include:
- Difficult to swallow
- Difficult to breathe
- Voice becomes hoarse
- Pain and swelling in the neck
Other complaints can also arise when thyroid nodules produce the hormone thyroxine and cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as anxiety, difficulty sleeping, weight loss, feeling hot and sweaty, shortness of breath, palpitations, and visual disturbances.
A person who suffers from thyroid nodules is also prone to hypothyroidism, which is a condition in which thyroid hormone levels in the body are low.
Causes of Thyroid Nodules
The cause of this lump in the thyroid gland is not known for certain. However, there are several factors that are thought to increase the risk of thyroid nodules, including:
- Iodine deficiency.
- Hereditary factors, namely if a person has parents or family members who suffer from thyroid nodules or cancer.
- Age. People who are less than 30 years old or more than 60 years old are at risk of developing this disease.
- Gender. Women are more at risk of developing thyroid nodules than men.
- Radiation exposure to the head and neck.
Thyroid Nodule Examination
To detect a thyroid nodule, a series of medical examinations by a doctor are required, which include a physical examination and special examinations, such as a blood test (evaluation of thyroid gland function) by measuring thyroid hormone levels, ultrasound, nuclear imaging (evaluation of thyroid gland function).scintigraphy), and fine needle aspiration biopsy or fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).
Once the diagnosis and cause of the thyroid nodule is known, the doctor can determine the appropriate treatment steps. Treatment for a thyroid nodule is usually gradual, depending on the growth, size, thyroid function, and whether the lump is benign or cancerous.
Thyroid Nodule Treatment
Thyroid nodules can be treated in several ways, including:
Periodic monitoring (watchful waiting)
If the nodule is small and noncancerous or benign, the doctor usually only advises the patient to do an ultrasound and a series of routine thyroid function tests to monitor the growth of the thyroid nodule.
Pembmedicine
If the lump grows bigger, the doctor may give medicine levothyroxine to help prevent the development of nodules. Other treatment options are radioactive iodine treatment and administration of antithyroid drugs, such as: methimazole, if a thyroid nodule causes an increase in thyroid hormone levels.
Thyroid surgery
Surgery is usually necessary if the lump is large and makes it difficult for the patient to swallow or have difficulty breathing. Surgery is also needed for thyroid nodules that are at risk for thyroid cancer.
If the thyroid lump is cancerous, the treatment carried out is thyroidectomy surgery, to remove malignant thyroid tissue. This treatment method is usually accompanied by drug therapy levothyroxine.
Because the cause is unknown, thyroid nodules are difficult to prevent. However, the risk of thyroid nodules can be reduced by adequate intake of iodized foods, such as seafood, meat, and dairy products or iodized salt in moderation.
Although most cases of thyroid nodules are harmless, they need to be checked by a doctor to determine whether the lump is benign or cancerous. Immediately consult a doctor if you find a lump in the neck, especially if other symptoms appear, such as hoarseness or difficulty swallowing.