Thyroid Nodules: 6 Causes and Symptoms and How We Can Help
Thyroid nodules can be caused by a variety of conditions, including cysts, inflammation or iodine deficiency. In certain cases, these thyroid nodules may be a sign of thyroid cancer. This is why it is very important to have them evaluated by one of our internal medicine physicians in Raleigh.
We’ll take a closer look at the causes of these nodules in addition to the role your thyroid plays in keeping you healthy. We’ll also explore some of the most common thyroid diseases and their symptoms.
What Are Thyroid Nodules?
These are lumps that are found within your thyroid and they may be solid or filled with fluid. They are most often found as part of a routine medical exam, which is why we emphasize the importance of regular physicals.
While most thyroid nodules are not serious, there is a small percentage that can be cancerous, so it’s always important to have any lump evaluated.
6 Causes of Thyroid Nodules
Because so many different conditions can cause thyroid nodules, it’s vital to have any lump carefully examined to rule out more serious conditions such as thyroid cancer.
Some of the conditions that can create nodules include:
1. Thyroid Cysts
These are fluid-filled cavities that are typically benign (non-cancerous) but should be evaluated to be sure they don’t contain any solid components that are cancerous.
2. Tissue Overgrowth
Sometimes, normal thyroid tissue overgrows, creating something called a thyroid adenoma. Typically, they are not cancerous. This condition may need to be addressed if the overgrowth is very large and causes troublesome symptoms.
3. Thyroid Inflammation
This can be caused by a common thyroid disorder called Hashimoto’s disease.
4. Multinodular Goiters
A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland, and a multinodular goiter is comprised of many distinct nodules. Typically, goiters are caused by thyroid disorders or iodine deficiencies.
5. Thyroid Cancer
It’s important to have any thyroid nodule evaluated to determine if it is thyroid cancer, especially if the nodule is large and hard. There are also certain factors that can increase your risk of developing thyroid cancer, including a family history, a history of other endocrine cancers, or radiation exposure either from medical therapy or other sources.
6. Lack of Iodine
Iodine deficiencies can cause thyroid nodules. However, this is uncommon in the U.S. Why? Because iodine is added to table salt as well as other foods.
What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Nodules?
Often, there aren’t any symptoms unless the nodules become very large. Then, they can press on your windpipe, which causes difficulty breathing or swallowing.
If the nodules produce too much of a hormone called thyroxine, then they can cause hyperthyroidism. (We go into the details of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism later in this article.)
It’s impossible to tell just by symptoms if a thyroid nodule is thyroid cancer. This is why we carefully evaluate any nodule.
What Does the Thyroid Do?
The thyroid is a small, yet vitally important, butterfly-shaped gland in the base of the front of your neck. It produces a variety of hormones that influence everything from your heart rate to metabolism to your body temperature.
When impacted by thyroid disease, the result can have a domino effect, causing a wide variety of symptoms that affect your entire body.
The thyroid’s primary function is to control your metabolism, which it does with the hormones named T4 and T3.
What Is Thyroid Disease?
A thyroid disease is any disorder that keeps your thyroid from producing the exact amount of hormones your body needs. According to the Cleveland Clinic, an estimated 20 million Americans of all ages have a thyroid disease. The most common disorders are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
What Is Hypothyroidism?
In hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, slowing down your bodily functions.
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Thinning hair
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Irregular menstrual periods
What Is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid produces too much hormone. This speeds up your body functions, and its symptoms may include:
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Mood swings
- Hand tremors
Who Is at Risk of Developing Thyroid Disease?
You could be at a higher risk of developing thyroid disease if:
- It runs in your family
- You take medication that contains a lot of iodine
- You’re over 60
- You’re female (women are five to eight times more likely to have this condition)
- You’ve had treatment for thyroid problems or thyroid cancer
- You have a medical condition such as:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Pernicious anemia, a disease of your red blood cells
- Primary adrenal insufficiency (also known as Addison’s disease) where your adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, which can lead to seriously low blood pressure.
Our Internal Medicine Physicians in Raleigh Are the Perfect Choice for Treating Thyroid Nodules
Internal medicine physicians specialize in a comprehensive understanding of how all systems of the body work together. Therefore, this means a problem in one area can affect another. In addition, this is especially evident when the thyroid is involved because this one gland has such a large effect on your entire well-being.
For decades, Raleigh and Triangle residents have trusted our experienced, compassionate and board-certified internal medicine physicians. Request an appointment today.
