Thyroid nodules are unusual tissue growths in the thyroid gland that are often benign enough, but in some cases (less than one in 20) they can be cancerous. Thyroid nodules are very common, and half of all people by age 60 will have at least one nodule. While it is more common in women, it can also be seen in men.
Thyroid nodules cause local (neck) and systemic complaints.
Local complaints:
Shortness of breath (by pressing on the trachea),
Difficulty in swallowing (by pressing on the esophagus),
Change in sound quality, tired and hoarse voice (pressing on the line that stimulates the vocal cords)
They reduce the blood flow to the brain by compressing the neck veins.
They cause cosmetic problems by causing swelling on the neck.
systemic complaints;
It will vary depending on whether the thyroid gland works more or less,
If the gland produces too much hormone,
-There are complaints such as irritability, palpitations, dry skin, hair loss, tremors in the hands, inability to gain weight, irregularities in the menstrual cycle, hot flashes, intestinal motility and diarrhea.
If the gland produces a small amount of hormones,
-Weakness, early fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression and unhappiness,
Diagnosis of thyroid nodules can be easily made by neck ultrasonography and some blood tests.
Treatment of thyroid nodules;
In nodules that are suspected of cancer and that produce hormones, the treatment is surgery, and the patient needs surgery.
In nodules that do not produce hormones,
-
If the nodule is larger than 3 cm, presses on the trachea, esophagus or end in its length, if it grows into the chest, if it causes cosmetic problems and if there is growth in the follow-ups, surgery is recommended to the patient.
Thyroid surgery is a delicate operation, it is vital that it be performed in a suitable center and by a specialist surgeon. Except for some special cases, the thyroid gland is removed as a whole, and after this operation, patients need to use medication.
