Thyroid Nodules: What They Are and When to Worry

Thyroid nodules are lumps in the thyroid gland found in up to 65% of adults on ultrasound. The vast majority are benign, but proper evaluation is essential to identify the small percentage requiring treatment.

Most cause no symptoms and are discovered incidentally. Larger nodules may cause difficulty swallowing, throat fullness, or visible neck swelling.

Evaluation includes thyroid ultrasound and TSH blood test. Suspicious ultrasound features require fine needle aspiration biopsy. Benign nodules need periodic monitoring.

Treatment is only necessary if malignant, symptomatic, or hormone-producing. Surgery, radioactive iodine, and thermal ablation are the main options.

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