Symptoms of thyroid nodules

Written by Hu Jian Zhuo
Nephrology and Endocrinology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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Thyroid nodules in the early stages often show no clear symptoms, with only small nodules appearing within the body. The size of these nodules can range from several millimeters to several centimeters, and their texture is generally slightly harder compared to the surrounding glandular tissue. When the enlargement is more noticeable, the nodule can move up and down with the thyroid gland during swallowing. In addition to the presence of nodules, when the thyroid nodule is prominent, it can compress the trachea, leading to difficulty breathing and irritative dry cough. If it compresses the recurrent laryngeal nerve, it may cause hoarseness, varying degrees of hoarseness, and even an inability to speak loudly. In patients with malignant nodules, the invasive malignant cells can cause symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty breathing, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), diarrhea, palpitations, facial flushing, and decreased blood calcium levels. If these symptoms occur, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Diet for thyroid nodules calcification

Patients with calcified thyroid nodules need to be cautious about their diet. Firstly, they should avoid irritating foods such as chili peppers, ginger, garlic, strong tea, coffee, and alcohol. Secondly, they should not consume foods high in fiber as these can cause diarrhea. Instead, they should eat foods rich in carbohydrates and fats, which provide energy and reduce the consumption of proteins in the body, as proteins play an important role in physiological regulation. Additionally, these patients should consume foods rich in vitamins and minerals to aid physiological metabolism. Lastly, it is beneficial for patients with calcified thyroid nodules to include animal organs in their diet.

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Written by Guo Min
Endocrinology
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What are the symptoms of thyroid nodules?

Thyroid nodules are formed due to the proliferation of thyroid tissue into masses, and clinically, these nodules are categorized as either benign or malignant, and as cystic or solid. Generally, cystic nodules are benign. However, a portion of solid nodules are malignant. Therefore, in the early stages, a patient with thyroid nodules might not exhibit any symptoms because the nodules are relatively small. As the thyroid nodules progressively enlarge, for instance, when they grow larger than two or three centimeters, the patient may start feeling discomfort in the neck. Some patients with nodules that grow inward can experience compression of the trachea, leading to difficulties in swallowing and breathing obstruction. Thus, when feeling discomfort in the neck, it is crucial to go to the hospital for an ultrasound to confirm whether thyroid nodules are present.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Can thyroid nodules be treated?

It depends on the situation. For some patients, we can evaluate whether thyroid nodules are accompanied by changes in thyroid function. If there is an overactive thyroid, antithyroid treatment is necessary. If there is underactive thyroid function, appropriate thyroid hormone supplementation is needed, and some patients' nodules can shrink. Additionally, for some thyroid nodules, if there are no accompanying changes in thyroid function, and the nodules are assessed as benign through ultrasound and other evaluations, no special treatment is generally needed. It is recommended to monitor thyroid ultrasound and function every six months to a year. Furthermore, if some thyroid nodules grow rapidly or there is a potential for cancerous changes, or if there are significant compressive symptoms, we can also perform a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid cells, or surgical treatment. Therefore, whether thyroid nodules can be treated also depends on the situation.

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Written by Hu Jian Zhuo
Nephrology and Endocrinology
1min 4sec home-news-image

Symptoms of thyroid nodules

Thyroid nodules in the early stages often show no clear symptoms, with only small nodules appearing within the body. The size of these nodules can range from several millimeters to several centimeters, and their texture is generally slightly harder compared to the surrounding glandular tissue. When the enlargement is more noticeable, the nodule can move up and down with the thyroid gland during swallowing. In addition to the presence of nodules, when the thyroid nodule is prominent, it can compress the trachea, leading to difficulty breathing and irritative dry cough. If it compresses the recurrent laryngeal nerve, it may cause hoarseness, varying degrees of hoarseness, and even an inability to speak loudly. In patients with malignant nodules, the invasive malignant cells can cause symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty breathing, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), diarrhea, palpitations, facial flushing, and decreased blood calcium levels. If these symptoms occur, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
50sec home-news-image

Thyroid nodule calcification meaning

In our thyroid ultrasound, terms like thyroid nodule calcification are often seen. Thyroid nodule calcification is a form of self-healing. It can be divided into large and small nodule calcifications. Generally, large nodule calcifications have a very low proportion of malignancy. The possibility of malignancy in smaller calcifications is relatively higher. When we see a report indicating thyroid nodule calcification, there is no need to panic. We can consult specialists such as thyroid surgeons, who will tell you how to distinguish between benign and malignant conditions. I recommend performing thyroid cytological puncture, which, through pathological examination, can determine whether the thyroid nodule calcification is benign or malignant.