Thyroid nodule history and symptoms
|
Thyroid nodule Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Thyroid nodule history and symptoms On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Thyroid nodule history and symptoms |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Thyroid nodule history and symptoms |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
History and Symptoms
History
Obtaining a detailed history is one of the important aspects of determining the best approach toward nodule management. It provides insight into possible cause, precipitating factors and associated comorbid conditions. Complete history may also helps in determining the prognosis. Specific histories about associated symptoms and their duration, onset, and progression have to be obtained. Specific areas of focus when obtaining the history, are outlined below:
- The presence of associated symptoms
- A change in nodule size
- Previous head or neck radiation exposure
- Childhood irradiation associated with high risk of malignancy
- Family history
- Thyroid diseases
- Thyroid cancer syndromes
- Endocrine diseases (e.g. multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 [MEN2], familial adenomatous polyposis, or Cowden syndrome)
- History of neck pain
- Sudden increase in the size of a neck lump
- Raise the concern of malignancies and hemorrhagic thyroid cysts
- Progressive voice change or hoarseness
- May be associated with an invasive tumor
Common Symptoms
- Dysphagia or anterior neck discomfort
- May indicate a malignant tumor
- Rarely seen in benign tumors
- Choking sensation
- Inability to lie flat
- Hoarseness
- Localized pain in the neck
- Shortness of breath
- Prolonged cough
Less Common Symptoms
- Palpitation
- Heat intolerance
- Weight loss
- Night sweats