The difference between thyroid enlargement and thyroid nodules

Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

Updated on December 07, 2024

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Thyroid enlargement generally refers to simple thyroid enlargement, which is typically diffuse thyroid enlargement, mainly caused by iodine deficiency, commonly seen in endemic goiter and physiological thyroid enlargement. Thyroid nodules, on the other hand, are nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid caused by certain physical and chemical factors. Thyroid nodules can manifest as benign hyperplasia or malignant hyperplasia. Therefore, the risks associated with thyroid nodules are relatively greater than those of thyroid enlargement. However, some patients with thyroid enlargement, as the disease progresses, can develop nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid. These are the differences between the two.

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Written by Hu Jian Zhuo

Nephrology and Endocrinology

1min 16sec

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Are thyroid nodules serious?

The severity of thyroid nodules needs to be assessed based on their nature, size, function, and location. Generally, they can be classified into benign and malignant, with malignant nodules being thyroid cancer, which requires timely treatment. Surgical treatment is the main method for treating thyroid cancer, whereas most benign nodules do not require special handling. Regarding the size of the thyroid nodules, if the nodules are too large and compress surrounding tissues such as the trachea, esophagus, and nerves, surgical treatment is recommended. For common benign nodules, regular observation is sufficient. Functionally, some thyroid nodules may affect thyroid function, such as in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which can present with diffuse multiple nodules, leading to either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. In such cases, appropriate medication treatment is needed. From a positional perspective, ectopic growth of thyroid nodules, if located at areas like the base of the ear, pharynx, neck, esophagus, or thoracic cavity, is a rare congenital developmental anomaly. If such a nodule significantly enlarges and compresses surrounding tissues, surgical treatment is advised.

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Written by Hu Jian Zhuo

Nephrology and Endocrinology

1min 4sec

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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.

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Written by Yuan Qing

Pulmonology

55sec

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Which is more serious, pulmonary nodules or thyroid nodules?

It is impossible to compare the severity between thyroid nodules and lung nodules. Firstly, thyroid nodules and lung nodules occur in different organs. Lung nodules are mostly caused by inhalation of dust, pollutants, or smoke. Thyroid nodules, on the other hand, often result from genetic factors, or issues with the patient’s own constitution leading to the formation of these nodules. Most lung nodules can be classified as benign or malignant through diagnostic tests, whereas it is often difficult to assess the nature of thyroid nodules with standard tests. Additional auxiliary examinations, such as PET-CT or SPECT, and biopsy pathology are needed to determine the nature of thyroid nodules. Therefore, the approaches to observing and handling these two types of nodules are entirely different, and they cannot be compared.

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun

Endocrinology

52sec

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The difference between thyroid nodules and nodular goiter

Thyroid nodules are the clinical manifestations of nodular goiter, and nodular goiter is the cause of thyroid nodules. Nodular goiter generally occurs in iodine-deficient areas, forming these partial or multiple thyroid nodules. Thyroid nodules are the clinical manifestations of nodular goiter; the nodules in the thyroid can be single or multiple and can cause abnormal thyroid function, although thyroid function can also be normal in the early stages. Therefore, when performing an ultrasound, if thyroid nodules are discovered, it is necessary to further assess thyroid function and dynamically track changes in the size of the thyroid nodules to determine whether it is nodular goiter.

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Written by Guo Min

Endocrinology

1min 1sec

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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.