Published on December 21, 2022
Read Time: 2 Minutes
Finding a new lump anywhere in your body, including the thyroid gland, can cause concern.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front of your neck.
The thyroid’s job is to make thyroid hormones, which go into the blood and every tissue in the body. Thyroid hormones control body temperature, digestion and heart functions, and keep body organs in working order.
A thyroid nodule is an unusual growth or lump of thyroid cells in the thyroid gland. About 50% of people will develop a thyroid nodule by age 50.
Thyroid nodules don’t typically cause symptoms and are found during routine physical exams or imaging tests. The good news is that most thyroid nodules are benign, with less than 5% of thyroid nodules being cancerous.
If a thyroid nodule is found, you should work with your doctor or healthcare provider to schedule an ultrasound exam. This exam can show the location, size and number of nodules in your thyroid gland and can help determine your overall risk of thyroid cancer.
In addition, your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level should be checked to make sure your thyroid gland is working well.
Depending on the results of the ultrasound, as well as any risk factors you may have, your provider might recommend a needle biopsy of the nodule to determine if any more treatment is needed.
While most thyroid nodules are not harmful, some nodules may require other treatments, such as surgery.
If you have a parent or sibling with thyroid cancer, your chance of developing thyroid cancer increases.
If you have been exposed to external beam radiation for treatment of other cancers or tumors, or exposed to radiation early in life, you also may be at a higher risk of future thyroid issues.
Other symptoms to look out for may include a rapidly growing thyroid nodule, persistent hoarseness of the voice or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
Brian Kriete, MD, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician, and other ENT providers at Phelps Health, work with patients to diagnose, monitor and if needed, perform surgery for thyroid nodules.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 21, 2020, and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Make an Appointment
If you are concerned about a possible thyroid nodule, or have a thyroid nodule that needs to be examined, please call (573) 458-5719 to schedule an appointment with a Phelps Health ENT provider today.
