Do thyroid cysts require surgery?

Written by Zhang Li
Endocrinology
Updated on September 09, 2024
00:00
00:00

Thyroid cysts are relatively common in clinical practice. Whether surgery is necessary depends on two factors. On one hand, it depends on whether the cyst is malignant. If the ultrasound reveals small calcifications within the cyst, or other signs of malignancy, then a fine needle aspiration of the thyroid should be carried out for a pathological examination. If the cyst is confirmed to be malignant, surgery is generally recommended. However, if the examination indicates that the thyroid cyst is benign with a low malignancy level, surgery is usually not required. However, if the thyroid cyst is large, affects appearance, causes significant swallowing difficulties or hinders neck movement, surgery can also be considered.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
1min 1sec home-news-image

Can thyroid cysts drink soy milk?

Patients with thyroid cysts can generally drink soy milk. First, let's understand what a thyroid cyst is. A thyroid cyst is a fluid-containing sac found in the thyroid gland. The lump is usually round, with a diameter of 2-5 cm, smooth, and generally painless or slightly painful. Most are solitary nodules, with multiple nodules being rare. Thyroid cysts usually do not display symptoms unless the cyst is large or there is some bleeding inside the cyst, which may cause symptoms of compression such as pain, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, and hoarseness. Therefore, for thyroid cysts, if malignant, surgical removal is required; if benign, they are typically observed with follow-up. Thus, patients with thyroid cysts can drink soy milk.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
58sec home-news-image

Do thyroid cysts require surgery?

Thyroid cysts are generally benign lesions and are typically classified as below 3B level in thyroid ultrasound grading, which means they are categorized as class 1, 2, or even 3. The decision to perform surgery depends primarily on the size of the thyroid cyst. If the cyst is large enough to cause compressive symptoms, then surgical treatment is necessary at that time. Secondly, if the development of the thyroid cyst is rapid, and fine needle aspiration of the thyroid reveals malignant changes, then surgery is also required. For routine thyroid examinations, if the thyroid cyst is relatively small, classified at a lower level, and there are no associated thyroid functional abnormalities, regular follow-up is generally sufficient without the need for surgical intervention.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
44sec home-news-image

Where to massage for a thyroid cyst?

Thyroid cysts refer to fluid-filled sacs that appear in the thyroid gland. The current mechanisms of their development are not very clear and may be related to iodine metabolism, sex hormones, regional factors, dietary habits, and family history. Therefore, massaging will not provide any relief for thyroid cysts. Moreover, when the cysts are relatively large, massaging the affected area may induce the risk of bleeding from the thyroid cysts. Hence, if you have thyroid cysts, do not blindly resort to massage, as it not only lacks benefits but could also potentially lead to the rupture or enlargement of the cysts.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
1min 4sec home-news-image

Will thyroid cysts become malignant?

The formation mechanism of thyroid cysts may be due to the expansive growth of nodules, which compresses the venous vessels causing circulatory disturbances. This leads to tissue ischemia and atrophic degeneration, resulting in congestion and edema. Fluid accumulates to form cysts. Cysts formed through regressive changes in nodules can involve the entire nodule turning cystic or only partial cystic changes, thus forming masses that are partly solid and partly cystic. In thyroid cancer, cysts can also form due to necrosis, hemorrhage, and liquefaction. Therefore, thyroid cysts can also be cancerous. For this reason, regular observation and follow-up of thyroid cysts are necessary. If there is any indication of malignant transformation in a thyroid cyst, timely treatment is required.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
57sec home-news-image

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.