MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
November 23, 2009
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Health and Living Picture Image Collection MedTerms medical dictionary
Font Size
A
A
A

Thyroid Nodules (cont.)

What is the treatment for thyroid nodules?

Because of the difficulty in distinguishing follicular adenomas from follicular cancers, patients with either of these two types of nodules, other nodules that are highly suspicious for cancerous, and, of course, with definite cancer, should undergo surgery if they are healthy enough to withstand surgery. Most thyroid cancers are curable and rarely cause life-threatening problems. Any nodule not removed needs to be watched closely with an examination and follow-up with the physician every 6-12 months. This follow-up may involve a physical examination, ultrasound examination, or both. Occasionally, a physician may attempt to shrink the nodule by using suppressive doses of thyroid hormone. Some physicians believe that if a nodule shrinks on suppressive therapy, it is more likely to be benign, and if the nodule continues to grow regardless of suppressive therapy, surgery should be considered strongly. The value of suppressive therapy, however, is controversial.

If a nodule is causing hyperthyroidism, it is usually benign. Treatment is aimed at preventing the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as heart failure, osteoporosis, and rapid heart rate. Treatments include destroying the gland using radioactive iodine (this time with the iodine isotope 131), blocking the production of thyroid hormone with medications, or just following a patient if the hyperthyroidism is mild.

In cases where a nodule is hyperfunctioning and the TSH is minimally suppressed, but the level of thyroid hormones in the blood is not elevated (these patients have "subclinical hyperthyroidism"), treatment is individualized based on the patients' age, the presence of other medical conditions, and patients' preferences.



Next: Thyroid Nodules At A Glance »

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












Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Health & Living | News & Views | Medical Dictionary

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Cancer | Diabetes | Digestion | Healthy Kids | Heart | Men's Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | More...

Publications:

ePublications (PDFs) | XML News via RSS | Audio Podcasts | Email Newsletters

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | 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.

©1996-2009 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.