🟢 Thyroid Nodules Explained

This page explains the causes of thyroid nodules, how ultrasounds and biopsies are used to evaluate them, and why most thyroid nodules are benign and not dangerous.

Lumps or Growths in the Thyroid 

Hearing that you have a thyroid nodule can feel scary.

The good news:

➡ Most thyroid nodules are harmless and not cancer.

This page explains what nodules are and what they usually mean.

🔎 What Is a Thyroid Nodule? 

A thyroid nodule is simply:

➡ A small lump or growth inside the thyroid gland.

Nodules are very common.

Many people have them and never even know.

🧠 How Common Are They? 

Thyroid nodules are extremely common:

• Up to 50–60% of adults may have small nodules
  
  

• Many are found by accident
  
  

• Most cause no symptoms
  
  

They are often discovered during:

• A routine exam
  
  

• An ultrasound
  
  

• A scan done for another reason

📌 Types of Thyroid Nodules 

Not all nodules are the same.

They can be:

Solid Nodules

Made of thyroid tissue

Cystic Nodules

Filled with fluid

Mixed Nodules

Part solid, part fluid

⚙️ Functioning vs Non-Functioning Nodules 

Nodules can also be described as:

“Hot” Nodules

• Produce extra thyroid hormone
  
  

• Can cause hyperthyroidism
  
  

“Cold” Nodules

• Do not produce hormone
  
  

• Most nodules fall into this category

😕 Do Nodules Cause Symptoms? 

Most nodules cause no symptoms at all.

But sometimes they can cause:

• A lump you can feel in the neck
  
  

• A sense of fullness
  
  

• Trouble swallowing
  
  

• Hoarseness
  
  

• Pressure in the throat
  
  

If a nodule is “hot,” it may cause hyperthyroid symptoms.

❗ The Big Question: Are Nodules Cancer? 

This is the most common worry.

Here is the reassuring fact:

➡ Over 90–95% of thyroid nodules are NOT cancer.

Thyroid cancer is relatively rare, and most nodules are benign.

🧪 How Thyroid Nodules Are Evaluated 

Doctors evaluate nodules in several steps. 

1) Blood Tests

Usually the first test is:

• TSH
  
  

This shows whether the nodule is affecting thyroid function.

2) Thyroid Ultrasound

An ultrasound helps show:

• Size
  
  

• Shape
  
  

• Solid vs fluid
  
  

• Features that look suspicious or not
  
  

Ultrasound is painless and very helpful.

3) Fine Needle Biopsy (FNA)

If a nodule looks concerning or is large enough, doctors may do:

➡ Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy

This involves:

• A tiny needle
  
  

• Removing a few cells
  
  

• Checking them under a microscope
  
  

It is quick, safe, and usually done in the office.

🧩 What Determines If a Biopsy Is Needed 

Doctors decide based on:

• Size of the nodule
  
  

• Ultrasound appearance
  
  

• Growth over time
  
  

• Family history
  
  

• Symptoms
  
  

Small, simple nodules often do not need biopsy.

🩺 Possible Results of a Biopsy 

Biopsy results usually fall into categories like:

• Benign (non-cancerous)
  
  

• Suspicious
  
  

• Indeterminate
  
  

• Malignant (cancer)
  
  

Most come back benign.

💊 Treatment for Thyroid Nodules 

Treatment depends on the type of nodule. 

If the Nodule Is Benign

Often no treatment is needed.

Doctors may recommend:

• Watching it over time
  
  

• Repeat ultrasound checks
  
  

• Monitoring for growth

If the Nodule Causes Hyperthyroidism

Treatment may include:

• Anti-thyroid medications
  
  

• Radioactive iodine
  
  

• Surgery

If Cancer Is Found

Thyroid cancer is usually:

• Very treatable
  
  

• Slow growing
  
  

• Often curable with surgery

🕒 Do Nodules Go Away? 

Some nodules:

• Stay the same size
  
  

• Grow slowly
  
  

• Occasionally shrink
  
  

• Rarely disappear completely
  
  

That’s why follow-up is important.

🧭 What Usually Happens Next 

If you’re told you have a thyroid nodule, the typical steps are:

1. Check TSH
   
   

2. Do a thyroid ultrasound
   
   

3. Decide if biopsy is needed
   
   

4. Monitor over time if benign
   
   

Most people end up needing only simple monitoring.

🔑 Big Takeaways 

Thyroid nodules are very common

Most cause no symptoms

Most are not cancer

Ultrasound helps guide decisions

Many nodules only need observation

Coming Up Next 

The next page will cover:

➡ Goiter (Enlarged Thyroid) Explained