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Thyroid nodules usually do not cause symptoms. An imaging test or routine neck examination can determine the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid. It is a small gland located at the base of your neck, just above your breastbone.
Are Thyroid Nodules Serious?
Generally, thyroid nodules are less serious as usually, you cannot feel them. Even though they happen from an overgrowth of cells, most thyroid nodules are not cancer. However, ensure to keep a regular check-up to make sure it does not keep growing or may become benign.
Symptoms that Thyroid Nodules Can Cause
- Swelling at the base of your neck
- Shortness of breath caused by pressure on the esophagus or windpipe
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tremor and increased sweating
- Nervousness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Dry skin
Seek medical help if you experience these symptoms:
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling cold
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression or memory problem
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Nervousness or irritability
Causes of Thyroid Nodules
- Overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue. An overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue is not cancerous and isn’t considered serious unless it causes bothersome symptoms from its size.
- Thyroid cancer. The chances that a nodule is cancerous are small. Nodules that are large and hard or cause pain or discomfort are more concerning. You are more likely to develop thyroid cancer if you have a family history of the disease.
- Thyroid cyst. The most common cause of fluid-filled cavities in the thyroid is degenerative thyroid adenomas. Often, solid components are mixed with fluid in thyroid cysts.
- Chronic inflammation of the thyroid. A thyroid disorder called Hashimoto’s can cause thyroid inflammation and enlarged thyroid nodules.
- Multinodular goiter. Any enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may be caused by iodine deficiency or thyroid disorders, is referred to as a goiter.
- Iodine deficiency. Lack of iodine in your diet can sometimes cause your thyroid gland to develop thyroid nodules.
Treatment for Thyroid Nodules
Treatment depends on the type of thyroid nodule you have. For noncancerous thyroid nodules, doctors may suggest being watchful of the growth. For nodules that cause hyperthyroidism or cancer, surgery is the most effective treatment option for the condition. Doctors may also use radioactive iodine to treat hyperthyroidism. Taken as a capsule or in liquid form, radioactive iodine is absorbed by your thyroid gland.
Sorafenib for Cancerous Thyroid Nodules Treatment
Sorafenib is an anti-cancer medicine that is used to treat solid tumors. It works by slowing down the growth of the tumor including thyroid nodules. Sorafenib is effective for treating solid tumors by slowing down the rate of growth of cancer cells. It also works by cutting off the blood supply that is needed to support the tumor growth.
