The thyroid cyst corresponds to a cavity or closed sac that can appear in the thyroid gland, which is filled with fluid, the most common being the so-called colloid, and which in most cases does not result in the appearance of signs or symptoms, identifying later Examinations.
Most thyroid cysts are small and go away on their own due to spontaneous reabsorption by the body, but in other cases, this may be related to malignant changes, it is important that the content is identified and sucked, especially when they are larger and come with other signs and symptoms.
- In most cases.
- The thyroid cyst does not result in signs or symptoms.
- But when they increase in size over time.
- Certain signs and symptoms may appear.
- Such as:.
Most of the time, when these symptoms are controlled, the thyroid cyst is palpable, i.e. the person or doctor can identify the presence of the cyst simply by touching the neck, which is where the thyroid is located. In such cases, it is very important that tests are performed to check the severity of the cyst and the need for specific treatment.
The cyst is diagnosed by imaging tests that evaluate the thyroid, especially thyroid ultrasound, in which the presence of the cyst in the gland and its characteristics can be observed. In other words, with this test, your doctor can check if the edges of the cyst are irregular and if there is a solid content in your cyst, which may indicate a malignant tumor.
In addition to thyroid ultrasound, the PAAF test, also known as fine needle suction puncture, is usually performed, in which the entire cyst content is aspirated and evaluated, providing the doctor with information about the severity of the cyst. Understand what PAAF is and how it is made.
Since most of the time the cyst is reabsorbed by the body itself, the doctor’s recommendation may only be to monitor the progress of the cyst, that is, if it develops and results in the appearance of signs or symptoms.
However, in cases where the cyst is large and causes discomfort, pain or difficulty swallowing, for example, aspiration of cyst content and/or surgical removal may be necessary and, after laboratory tests, if there are signs of malignancy detected, it may be necessary to initiate more specific treatment, which may involve the performance of radioactive iodine treatment, for example. Find out how radioactive iodine treatment is done.