MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
February 9, 2010
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Picture Image Collection MedTerms medical dictionary Pet Health
Font Size
A
A
A


Thyroid Nodules

Medical Author: Ruchi Mathur, M.D.
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, M.D.

Viewer Comments

Featured thyroid nodules patient discussions on established diagnosis

"My doctor just recently discovered the nodules in a routine examination. I first thought something was up when I had this rash for more than a month, then the swelling on the right hand side with some discomfort leading into the shoulder. I find these comments very helpful and calming as I am quite young and having trouble registering this all in. I had an ultrasound a month ago and I have an uptake and scan scheduled in another two weeks. It is nice to read that this is not all in my head and these are actual symptoms. Your site has helped me tremendously. "

"One day, I suddenly felt as though a lump was in my throat. I could feel it when I swallowed. After a couple of doctor visits, I went for an ultrasound that showed "several nodules" even though my thyroid levels were normal, according to blood tests. I cannot feel the nodules, but occasionally I have ear pain and seem to be quite tired."


Top Searched Thyroid Nodules Terms:

types, cancer, ultrasound, symptoms, surgery, iodine, synthroid, needle biopsy, causes, treatment
Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, or treatment.
See the disclaimer at the bottom of the comments page.
Doctor to Patient

Introduction to thyroid nodules

The term "thyroid nodule" refers to any abnormal growth that forms a lump in the thyroid gland.

The thyroid gland is located low in the front of the neck, below the Adam's apple. The gland is shaped like a butterfly and wraps around the windpipe or trachea. The two wings or lobes on either side of the windpipe are joined together by a bridge, called the isthmus, which crosses over the front of the windpipe.

A thyroid nodule can occur in any part of the gland. Some nodules can be felt quite easily, while others can be hidden deep in the thyroid tissue or located very low in the gland where they are difficult to feel.

What is the prevalence of thyroid nodules and cancer?

These days, with modern imaging studies such as ultrasound (US), computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), more and more thyroid nodules are being found incidentally. This means the nodules are found during studies that are being done for reasons other than examination of the thyroid gland. It is estimated that 4-8% of adult women and 1-2% of adult men have thyroid nodules that can be felt on physical examination, but closer to 30% of women have nodules detectable by ultrasound. In fact, the diagnosis of a thyroid nodule is the most common endocrine problem in the United States.

Although the majority of thyroid nodules are benign (not cancerous), about 10% of nodules do contain cancer . Therefore, the primary purpose for evaluating a thyroid nodule is to determine whether cancer is present.

Thyroid Gland



Next: What are the symptoms of thyroid nodules? »

Thyroid Nodules - How Was Diagnosis Established

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

What were the symptoms and signs you experienced for thyroid nodules?

Comment submissions for this question have ended. Patient Discussions FAQs
See 23 Viewer Comments

View Comments


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • levothyroxine sodium, Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid - Learn more about Levothyroxine Sodium (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid), including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, drug interactions, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.
  • CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
  • Hypothyroidism - Learn about Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) including causes, symptoms (such as weight gain, fatigue, and depression), diagnosis, and treatment.

Latest Medical News


Women's Health

Find out what women really need.


Are you Depressed? Take the Quiz

Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain



Thyroid Nodules

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by abnormally low thyroid hormone production. There are many disorders that result in hypothyroidism. These disorders may directly or indirectly involve the thyroid gland. Because thyroid hormone affects growth, development, and many cellular processes, inadequate thyroid hormone has widespread consequences for the body.

This article will focus specifically on hypothyroidism in adults.

What are thyroid hormones?

Thyroid hormones are produced by the thyroid gland. This gland is located in the lower part of the neck, below the Adam's apple. The gland wraps around the windpipe (trachea) and has a shape that is similar to a butterfly - formed by two wings (lobes) and attached by a middle part (isthmus).

The thyroid gland uses iodine (mostly available from the diet in foods such as seafood, bread, and salt) to produce thyroid hormones....

Read the Hypothyroidism article »











Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Image Collection | Medical Dictionary | Pet Health

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Blood Pressure | Cancer | Chronic Pain | Cold & Flu | Diabetes | Digestion | Eyesight | Health & Living | Healthy Kids

Hearing & Ear | Heart | Infectious Disease | Men's Health | Mental Health | News & Views | Pregnancy | Sexual Health | Skin | Women's Health | More...

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Newsletters | RSS Feeds | Privacy Policy | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2010 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.