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What Do Nodules On Thyroid Gland Indicate?
Question: I'm a 73 yr. old female. I've recently had a scan done of my thyroid gland and the results of the scan showed several nodules (benign). My questions are: 1. What causes these nodules to grow on the
thyroid gland and 2. Do they cause or contribute to either hypo or hyperthyroidism? and 3. What is
the usual treatment for this condition?
XXXX
thyroid gland and 2. Do they cause or contribute to either hypo or hyperthyroidism? and 3. What is
the usual treatment for this condition?
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Thyroid nodules
Detailed Answer:
Good day.
Noted your concern,.
To answer the questions
1). Thyroid nodules ( as well as nodules in several organs like adrenal and pituitary) are common finding after 40 years of age. This can be caused by cells in a particular area grows too much. Most of them are benign. Certain DNA mutations, virus, hypo and hyperthyroidism etc can cause this.. Iodine deficiency also can cause this.
2) They may contribute to hypo / hyperthyroidism rarely if they are large enough. This is very rare though.
3) The treatment depends on the size and hormonal status. If the size of nodule is more than 1 cm, a needle test ( FNA) has to be done. The further course of action is based on that. If the blood test shows hyperthyroidism, a nuclear scan has to be done and then to decide further treatment.
Regards
Binu
Thyroid nodules
Detailed Answer:
Good day.
Noted your concern,.
To answer the questions
1). Thyroid nodules ( as well as nodules in several organs like adrenal and pituitary) are common finding after 40 years of age. This can be caused by cells in a particular area grows too much. Most of them are benign. Certain DNA mutations, virus, hypo and hyperthyroidism etc can cause this.. Iodine deficiency also can cause this.
2) They may contribute to hypo / hyperthyroidism rarely if they are large enough. This is very rare though.
3) The treatment depends on the size and hormonal status. If the size of nodule is more than 1 cm, a needle test ( FNA) has to be done. The further course of action is based on that. If the blood test shows hyperthyroidism, a nuclear scan has to be done and then to decide further treatment.
Regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
You referred to the "size" of the nodules but what about the quantity? I have
many of them that showed up on the scan (31 smaller ones). Does that have
any bearing on what action is taken or what medication is useful if any?
XXXX
many of them that showed up on the scan (31 smaller ones). Does that have
any bearing on what action is taken or what medication is useful if any?
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Size matters
Detailed Answer:
No the number does not matter as long as the thyroid function is good ( Thyroid function tests). However, any nodule more than 1 cm in size in an ultrasound should be needle biopsied.
Size matters
Detailed Answer:
No the number does not matter as long as the thyroid function is good ( Thyroid function tests). However, any nodule more than 1 cm in size in an ultrasound should be needle biopsied.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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