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What is a Benign Thyroid Nodule?

J.M. Willhite
J.M. Willhite

A benign thyroid nodule is a noncancerous mass that originates from within the thyroid gland just above the sternum. Most nodules form due to an atypical thyroid condition or chronic disease. Treatment for a benign thyroid nodule may range from close monitoring to the use of drug therapy or surgery. If a benign thyroid nodule remains undiagnosed, it may mature to impair throat function or contribute to the onset of thyroid disease. Rarely, a benign thyroid nodule may turn malignant; therefore, appropriate diagnosis and treatment are keys to a successful prognosis.

Thyroid nodules are generally inadvertently detected during routine testing. To discount the possibility of malignancy, several diagnostic tests may be performed on the nodule. Thyroid function tests are usually conducted to measure hormone levels and evaluate gland function. Fine-needle aspiration may also be utilized to obtain a sample of the nodule for laboratory analysis. Imaging tests, including ultrasound, may also be performed to evaluate the condition of the thyroid and assess the location, size and shape of the growth.

Ultrasound can help physicians determine whether a nodule is benign or malignant.
Ultrasound can help physicians determine whether a nodule is benign or malignant.

Several situations may contribute to benign thyroid nodule development. Individuals can possess a genetic predisposition for thyroid nodules if their parents or siblings have been diagnosed with the condition. Existing thyroid disease, such as hyperthyroidism, and cyst formation most commonly precipitate benign thyroid nodule development. Certain inflammatory conditions may also cause gland irritation that leads to nodule growth.

Thyroid nodules are generally inadvertently detected during routine testing.
Thyroid nodules are generally inadvertently detected during routine testing.

Since most individuals are unaware they have a benign thyroid nodule, it stands to reason that they remain asymptomatic and exhibit no symptoms. When signs do occur, the nodule is usually large enough to be seen or felt. Considering thyroid nodules are composed of hormone-based chemicals, the nodules generally excrete excess amino acids that can trigger additional symptoms. Some individuals may suddenly develop an arrhythmia, pronounced weight loss or behavioral changes.

If a thyroid nodule is ignored or inappropriately treated, it may progress to form a goiter.
If a thyroid nodule is ignored or inappropriately treated, it may progress to form a goiter.

If a thyroid nodule is ignored or inappropriately treated, it may progress to form a goiter. Usually consisting of multiple nodules, a goiter can present functional and cosmetic issues if it grows too large. The condition normally causes multiple symptoms similar to those associated with nodule growth, as well as hoarseness and a persistent cough.

Thyroid nodules are usually detected by a doctor during a physical medical exam.
Thyroid nodules are usually detected by a doctor during a physical medical exam.

A benign thyroid nodule that remains small and causes no issues generally only requires regular monitoring for possible changes. If one’s condition is triggering symptoms, hormone or radioactive iodine therapy may be administered to reduce the nodule size. Growths that compromise one’s respiration or impair throat function may necessitate a thyroidectomy, which is the surgical excision of the nodule.

Discussion Comments

Rotergirl

@Pippinwhite -- Thanks for posting! My doctor found a nodule on my thyroid just a week ago. He doesn't think it's anything malignant, but is sending me for an ultrasound next week. Your post really helped ease my fears, and kind of gave me an idea of what will happen in the short term.

Pippinwhite

My doctor was just checking my lymph nodes at my physical, and found the nodule on my thyroid. I hadn't noticed anything amiss. She send me for an ultrasound and my endocrinologist recommended I have the nodule removed, although he said he didn't see anything in the ultrasound report to indicate it was malignant.

I recommend a surgeon who does these kinds of surgeries a lot. My surgeon specialized in thyroid surgery. They will make smaller incisions and a patient will have less scarring. But he does a few hundred of them a year. That's the guy/girl you want.

I also had a fine needle aspiration biopsy on the nodule and my goodness, was that ever fun! Really, it was more uncomfortable than anything. It was just having to lie there while they poked little needles into my neck.

Anyway, the surgery removed the right lobe and front part of my thyroid. It was outpatient and I was fine in a few days. The pathology report showed I had Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is very common, and is also hereditary.

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    • Ultrasound can help physicians determine whether a nodule is benign or malignant.
      By: Alexander Raths
      Ultrasound can help physicians determine whether a nodule is benign or malignant.
    • Thyroid nodules are generally inadvertently detected during routine testing.
      By: reineg
      Thyroid nodules are generally inadvertently detected during routine testing.
    • If a thyroid nodule is ignored or inappropriately treated, it may progress to form a goiter.
      By: lom123
      If a thyroid nodule is ignored or inappropriately treated, it may progress to form a goiter.
    • Thyroid nodules are usually detected by a doctor during a physical medical exam.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Thyroid nodules are usually detected by a doctor during a physical medical exam.