How should thyroid cysts be treated?

Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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Thyroid cysts refer to fluid-containing sac-like formations found in the thyroid gland. For their treatment, thyroid cysts are a type of benign tumor of the thyroid. In imaging studies, if the nodule's diameter is less than one centimeter, it usually presents no clinical symptoms or signs. Regular follow-ups with thyroid ultrasonography and thyroid function tests are advised. If there is no trend of enlargement, continued observation without surgical intervention can be appropriate. However, if the nodule's diameter is greater than one centimeter, or if it is located on the surface of the thyroid, the local skin may show a protrusion or bulge, and the cyst may continue to grow, pressing on the trachea or even the esophagus, causing symptoms such as chest tightness, difficulty breathing, a feeling of swallowing, and obstruction. It is important to seek medical attention in a timely manner, undergo a fine needle aspiration biopsy if necessary, and surgical treatment may be required if needed.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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How to treat thyroid cystic tumors?

Thyroid cysts refer to fluid-filled sac-like formations or lumps found in the thyroid, generally round in shape, typically painless or only mildly painful, and move up and down with swallowing. Most are solitary nodules, with multiple nodules being less common. Most thyroid cysts do not exhibit obvious clinical symptoms unless the cyst is large or there is bleeding within the cyst, which may lead to symptoms of compression such as pain, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, and hoarseness. Therefore, the treatment of thyroid cysts primarily involves understanding their nature. If a thyroid cyst is malignant, prompt surgical removal should be undertaken; if benign, generally it is sufficient to monitor the cyst through follow-up observations.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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Can thyroid cysts eat kelp?

It is recommended to eat in moderation. Thyroid cysts are one of the common benign occupational lesions of the thyroid gland. The growth of cysts is very slow, and generally, there are no uncomfortable clinical symptoms. Occasionally, when there is bleeding within the cyst, there can be local pain and a rapid increase in the size of the mass. The cause of thyroid cysts is not yet very clear, and it may be related to iodine metabolism. Some scholars believe it is related to iodine deficiency, while others think it is related to excessive iodine intake. Seaweed contains a very high amount of iodine. It is advisable to eat seaweed appropriately, but it is not recommended to eat seaweed daily. Eating seaweed daily can lead to an excessive intake of iodine, which might further develop the thyroid cyst or cause multiple thyroid cysts to appear.

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Written by Zhang Li
Endocrinology
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Does thyroid cyst affect pregnancy?

Thyroid cysts generally do not affect pregnancy because they are merely morphological changes, meaning enlarged cystic nodules found in the thyroid. These nodules are typically fluid-filled and often non-functional, so they do not significantly impact pregnancy. However, since the thyroid can develop such cystic nodules or cysts, there might also be some functional manifestations. In other words, there could be both cysts and other thyroid function issues concurrently, which might affect pregnancy. Therefore, when thyroid issues are detected, it is necessary to undergo thyroid function tests before planning a pregnancy to determine whether it is safe to conceive and if there will be any impact on pregnancy.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Symptoms of thyroid cysts

Regarding the symptoms of thyroid cysts, typically, patients with thyroid cysts do not experience any discomfort in the early stages. Often, a neck mass is incidentally discovered during a physical examination, and usually, there are no systemic clinical symptoms. Some patients may experience slight pain. Of course, if the cyst is large or there is bleeding within the cyst, it may lead to symptoms of compression, such as pain, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, or hoarseness. Additionally, some thyroid cysts can affect thyroid function. For instance, if there is hyperthyroidism, symptoms may include heat intolerance, excessive sweating, and weight loss. Conversely, in long-term cases, patients may experience symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as cold intolerance, fatigue, constipation, and poor appetite.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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Do thyroid cysts require a special diet?

Thyroid cysts refer to fluid-containing sacs that appear in the thyroid gland. Generally, these cysts do not become malignant, and they do not present any clinical symptoms, nor do they cause hyperthyroidism. If the cyst is particularly large and compresses the local thyroid tissue, it generally does not lead to hypothyroidism. Therefore, there is generally no need for a special diet for thyroid cysts. However, some scholars believe that the formation of thyroid cysts is related to iodine deficiency, or they can also occur in areas with high iodine content. Hence, it is advisable to avoid consuming foods with particularly high iodine content.