The thyroid nodule is a small lump that appears in the neck area and is usually benign and does not represent a cause for concern or need for treatment, especially in the elderly. However, it is always recommended that any nodule be evaluated by an endocrinologist or a GP to investigate the cause.
Therefore, several tests are performed to confirm benignity or signs of malignancy are monitored, requiring more specific tests to diagnose the cancer and initiate appropriate treatment. See what the signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer are.
- Most thyroid nodules cause no symptoms and are identified by the presence of a “lump” in the neck.
- However.
- In some cases.
- Thyroid nodules can cause symptoms such as:.
When a thyroid nodule is suspected, it is recommended that you consult a family doctor or endocrinologist for a test.
Diagnosis of thyroid nodule is performed by your doctor through a physical examination by palpation of your neck. During identification, laboratory tests such as TSH, T3, T4, anti-TPO and calcitonin, and imaging tests such as ultrasounds and thyroid scans are required.
Based on the results of the requested examinations, the doctor may request the completion of the Fine Needle Aspiration Puncture (PAAF), in which a small sample of the nodule is taken and sent to the laboratory for analysis and confirmation of benignity. or malignancy. Know the tests that evaluate your thyroid.
Signs that may indicate that the mass may be malignant and that it is cancer include:
Studies indicate that the increased amount of TSH indicates that the nodule may be malignant, however many people diagnosed with thyroid cancer have never had any changes in blood tests or biopsy, discovering it only after the test performed after the removal of the nodule.
When the individual has only one nodule up to 1 cm in diameter, as long as he or she is not intelligent, the doctor may not indicate a type of treatment, indicating only an annual thyroid ultrasound and blood tests.
When identifying a nodule in the thyroid, its classification should be evaluated using a Doppler ultrasound to determine whether it is benign, malignant and what therapeutic measures to take. Ranking can be made:
The endocrinologist may also classify the thyroid nodule as
Nodules with central vascularity are more likely to be malignant tumors.
Treatment is only used when the person has symptoms, when there is a risk of thyroid cancer, or when the nodule is more than 3 cm long. The most commonly used treatments include:
After surgical treatment, a hormone replacement may be necessary, as well as regular consultations, at least twice a year, with the endocrinologist.
Learn how to prevent and treat thyroid problems in the following video:
The causes are not yet rather known, but it is known that women are the most affected and that those that other people in the family have with a thyroid nodule are more likely to develop nodules like this.
The woman who has a lump in this gland has no more difficulty getting pregnant than the others. However, the presence of a thyroid lump during pregnancy can cause changes in hormone production and, if this occurs, the pregnanter should take medications to help regulate thyroid function, thus preventing the baby from being delayed in physical development. or mental, for example.