How to treat thyroid cysts?

Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

Updated on September 07, 2024

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Treatment of thyroid cysts generally does not require special treatment, just regular monitoring of thyroid ultrasound and thyroid function. Thyroid function must be monitored for thyroid cysts. When thyroid function is reduced, hormone replacement therapy is needed. When thyroid function is hyperactive, anti-thyroid treatment is needed. If the patient's thyroid function is normal, only regular monitoring of thyroid ultrasound and thyroid function is required to understand changes in the size of the cyst. However, if the cyst is large enough to cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or carotid ischemia, surgical treatment is recommended in a timely manner. Currently, radiofrequency treatment is also a new treatment method, which can be considered as an alternative option, but it is not recommended.

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

1min 14sec

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How should thyroid cysts be treated?

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

57sec

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Can thyroid cysts become cancerous?

Thyroid cysts can potentially become cancerous. Initially, thyroid cysts may arise from various thyroid diseases such as nodular goiter, Hashimoto's disease, thyroid adenoma, and thyroid follicular cancer, which form through degeneration, liquefaction, and hemorrhage. They are one of the common diseases of the thyroid. In the population, at least 4% of people can feel thyroid nodules larger than one centimeter. Among these nodules, about 5% to 20% are cystic. Statistics show that even benign lesions causing cysts have a 4%-5% chance of becoming cancerous when the diameter of the individual exceeds 4 centimeters. Therefore, thyroid cysts can potentially become cancerous.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan

Endocrinology

54sec

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Will thyroid cysts recur after surgery?

Thyroid cysts refer to fluid-filled sac-like structures that occur in the thyroid gland. Typically, thyroid cysts do not exhibit any clinical symptoms. However, if they continue to grow, there is a risk of bleeding within the cyst. Therefore, when the cyst is larger than 3 centimeters, surgical treatment is often recommended. Generally, surgical removal is quite safe and reliable, and the prognosis after surgery is usually good with a low risk of recurrence. However, there is still a chance of recurrence, and if it recurs, surgery can be conducted again. Hence, thyroid cysts are relatively mild and benign lesions. If the cyst is smaller than 3 centimeters, alcohol sclerotherapy can also be performed.

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

52sec

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Foods to avoid with thyroid cysts

For patients with thyroid cysts, it is necessary to first understand the patient's thyroid function, whether it is normal, overactive, or underactive. For patients with thyroid cysts who also have hyperthyroidism, a diet avoiding iodine is still necessary, as excessive iodine intake can significantly affect their hyperthyroid condition, therefore they need to consume iodine-free food. However, for patients with normal thyroid function or those with hypothyroidism, a normal diet is appropriate, and there is no need to avoid iodine. It is also recommended that they avoid smoking and alcohol in their daily life.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan

Endocrinology

50sec

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Can you get pregnant with a thyroid cyst?

Thyroid cysts refer to sac-like formations within the thyroid gland that contain fluid, typically benign with rare cases of malignancy. The fluid inside these cysts, also known as blisters, has no secretory function and does not affect thyroid function, making it possible to become pregnant with a thyroid cyst. However, it is important to note that during pregnancy, if the cyst rapidly enlarges or if there is localized pain, it could be due to bleeding inside the cyst which requires urgent treatment. Aspiration of the cyst fluid can be done through fine needle aspiration to relieve pressure, and ethanol ablation can be used to close the cyst cavity. This minor surgery is generally tolerable and does not affect pregnancy.