Table of Contents
Benign Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are small growths that develop when thyroid cells grow abnormally. About half of people have a thyroid nodule by the time they are 60. The vast majority of these nodules are noncancerous, or benign. There are several different types of benign thyroid nodules.
Colloid nodules
The most common type of benign nodule, consisting of enlarged growths of normal thyroid tissue. Even if colloid nodules should grow, they remain localized to the thyroid.
Inflammatory nodules
Caused by thyroiditis, it is a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. These nodules are generally painless. A rare type of thyroiditis, called subacute thyroiditis, can cause pain in the thyroid gland.
Toxic Nodules
Some nodules can cause the thyroid to become overactive, meaning it produces too much thyroxine. These growths are called toxic nodules. Toxic nodules can lead to a condition calledhyperthyroidism, in which the body’s metabolism speeds up.
Toxic nodules are almost always benign, but they may require treatment to address hyperthyroidism. Toxic nodules may slowly become very large and press on surrounding structures in the neck or upper chest, requiring treatment.
Multinodular Goiter
If several nodules are found in the thyroid, the condition is called a multinodular goiter, or enlarged thyroid.
Sometimes multinodular goiters cause the thyroid to produce too much thyroxine, resulting in hyperthyroidism. These growths are called toxic multinodular goiters and may require treatment. Toxic multinodular goiters may become quite large and press on surrounding structures, especially in older people.
Thyroid Cysts
Fluid-filled spaces, or cysts, may develop in the thyroid gland. Some cysts are congenital, or present from birth.
Sometimes thyroid cysts are filled with blood, debris, and substances left behind when blood or cells break down. They may also contain calcifications, or calcium deposits. Cysts may be the result of an injury or inflammation, or may occur along with benign or cancerous growths. They may need to be drained or biopsied so that our endocrinologists can make adiagnosis.
Some thyroid cysts may require watchful waiting to ensure that they are not growing or pushing on nearby structures. Others may require treatment.
Thyroid Cancers
Most of the 5 to 10 percent of thyroid nodules that are malignant, or cancerous, cause no symptoms. Rarely, they may cause neck swelling, pain, swallowing problems, shortness of breath, or changes in the sound of your voice as they grow.
There are several types of thyroid cancer. Most respond well to treatment, although some rare forms can be aggressive.
References
http://nyulangone.org/conditions/thyroid-nodules-cancers/types
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