Thyroid nodule (patient information)

Thyroid nodule
Overview
What are the symptoms?
What are the causes?
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Thyroid nodule?
Prevention
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Possible complications
Thyroid nodule On the Web
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
Images of Thyroid nodule
Videos on Thyroid nodule
FDA on Thyroid nodule
CDC on Thyroid nodule
Thyroid nodule in the news
Blogs on Thyroid nodule
Directions to Hospitals Treating Thyroid nodule
Risk calculators and risk factors for Thyroid nodule

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

A thyroid nodule is a growth (lump) in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck.

What are the symptoms of Thyroid nodule?

Most thyroid nodules do not cause symptoms.

• Large nodules can press against other structures in the neck, causing symptoms such as:
  • Goiter or an enlarged thyroid gland or lump(s) in the neck
  • Hoarseness or changing voice
  • Pain in the neck
  • Problems breathing
  • Problems swallowing

• Nodules that produce thyroid hormones will likely cause symptoms of overactive thyroid gland, including:
  • Clammy skin
  • Fast pulse
  • Increased appetite
  • Nervousness
  • Restlessness
  • Skin blushing or flushing
  • Weight loss

• Thyroid nodules are sometimes found in people who have Hashimoto's disease, which may cause symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland, such as:
  • Dry skin
  • Face swelling
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Intolerance to cold
  • Weight gain