Thyroid Nodules: Benign Or Not?

Thyroid nodules are also called thyroid nodules or nodules. They are benign growths that grow around the thyroid lobes. They are often noticed as bulges in the neck on the side of the thyroid gland. This is important to investigate:

• Is it an innocent tumor?
• Is it a condition that can develop into a malignant tumor?

A properly functioning thyroid gland is therefore at the basis of the proper functioning of many processes in the body.

The thyroid

It is a small gland that has the shape of a butterfly and weighs about 25 grams. It lies like a shield around the trachea, just below the larynx. The endocrine gland is made up of two lobes, which themselves consist of different follicles or vesicles.

• Disruption in the secretion of hormones, for example, can lead to various syndromes.
• These are about eight times more common in women than in men.
• In women, they often occur during and after the period of pregnancy and childbirth.
• Most treatments are simple and effective for most thyroid conditions.

Thyroid nodules

Thyroid nodules are also more common in women than in men. About five percent of the female population has to deal with this compared to one percent of the men.

• They often develop during the aging process.
• They are usually discovered when they become visible in the neck or when a lump is felt.

It is important to be attentive and to notice changes in the body. If there are thickenings in the neck area, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner and then an endocrinologist.

Consult a general practitioner or endocrinologist

They will decide whether it is appropriate to conduct further investigations. One of the tests that is often performed is ultrasound imaging.

The nodules are made visible by means of sound waves. You can also do a biopsy or additional blood tests. In this way, the endocrinologist examines which type of nodules it is and whether further treatment is indicated.

Properties of thyroid nodules

Thyroid nodules may exhibit the following properties:

• They can contain fluids and then we speak of thyroid cysts
• Whether they consist of solid cell tissue
• A combination of both is also possible with the additional presence of calcium

However, the structure of the thyroid nodules is unrelated to whether or not they are malignant. According to the American Thyroid Organization, research has shown that nine out of ten cases of these tumors are benign. The most efficient way to determine the nature of the nodules is through a sonogram.

• It allows doctors to determine whether the mass is solid or cystic and benign or not.
• A very thin needle is used for this, which can penetrate into the nodules.

A puncture of the nodule

During this puncture, samples of the fluid or tissue are taken,  which can be immediately further examined. If the results are not clear, then new research can be performed quickly in this way, because the procedure can be done painlessly and without anaesthetic.

• The examination is reliable, because radiologist and cytologist work closely with the endocrinologist to obtain a complete picture and result as quickly as possible.
• Immediately after leaving radiology, the results are available and it can already be determined whether or not treatment is needed.

Remember that it is also important to pay sufficient attention to self-examination of your body. Use a mirror for this and pay attention to changes in, for example, the structure and color of the skin.  Checking yourself a few minutes after bathing or showering gives you the opportunity to detect any changes and intervene in time.