Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are fluid filled or solid lumps that form in a gland in the centre of the neck above the breastbone. The majority of nodules are non cancerous, but should a lump be discovered then a consultation with a thyroid surgeon is recommended. The function of the thyroid should be checked with a blood test and the nodules should be imaged with an ultrasound scan.

Thyroid nodules rarely affect the function of the thyroid, but this should be checked with a blood test. The ultrasound scan will assess the size and appearance of the nodule. Should the nodule fit certain criteria then a biopsy is taken with a needle. Even if a biopsy is taken the vast majority of these nodules are still non cancerous. The biopsy is called  'fine needle aspiration cytology'. The biopsy is reported on a scale from one to five and your surgeon will explain what this outcome means. A recommendation to either observe or remove the nodule will be made. 

• Overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue (adenomas)
• Thyroid cysts, these often develop from degenerating adenomas. nodules can be partially cystic and partially solid 
• Multiple nodules within thyroid is often referred to as a multi nodular goitre or simply a goitre
• Iodine deficiency
• Chronic inflammation the thyroid
• Cancer, acknowledged risk factors include family history, radition exposure or other endocrine cancers