Does thyroid cyst affect pregnancy?

Written by Zhang Li
Endocrinology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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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 Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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What foods are good for thyroid cysts?

For patients with thyroid cysts, it is necessary to check their thyroid function to understand their condition. For patients with hyperthyroidism, it is advised to avoid iodine-rich foods, such as seaweed, kelp, and seafood. However, patients with thyroid cysts are suggested to eat more foods that can enhance the immune system, such as shiitake mushrooms, mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, walnuts, Chinese yam, and red dates. They can also eat some foods that help reduce nodules and swelling, such as spinach, mustard greens, and kiwifruit. Patients with thyroid cysts are advised to quit smoking and drinking, and avoid spicy and stimulating foods, such as chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and onions. Additionally, they should avoid eating overly greasy foods.

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Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
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Which department should I go to for a thyroid cyst?

It is generally recommended to see a general surgeon, or an endocrinologist, as thyroid cysts are usually benign tumors that essentially remain stable in nature. Surgery is only considered when the cyst becomes very large and causes compressive symptoms, such as compressing the trachea leading to breathing difficulties, or compressing the esophagus causing difficulty swallowing. In such cases, you should consult a general surgeon. For a typical thyroid cyst, it is necessary to check thyroid function to ensure it is normal and to regularly review with ultrasound to monitor any changes in the cyst. If there is a sudden increase in size or significant compressive symptoms, it is advisable to seek surgical treatment from a surgeon.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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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.

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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.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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How to treat thyroid cysts

The treatment of a thyroid cyst depends on its size and location. Generally, a thyroid cyst is a benign lesion that presents as a space-occupying lump at the Adam's apple. If the cyst is relatively large, it might cause local compression symptoms such as pain, difficulty swallowing, and a hoarse voice. If the tumor cyst is small, it might not show any obvious symptoms, in which case it can be monitored over time. If the cyst is larger than four centimeters and causes discomfort such as local compression symptoms, corresponding surgical treatment is needed, or minimally invasive procedures such as cyst fluid aspiration or microwave ablation of the cyst.