Do thyroid cysts need treatment?

Written by Zhang Li
Endocrinology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Thyroid cysts generally do not require special treatment, as most thyroid cysts are quite small, and even larger ones usually do not cause significant clinical symptoms. However, treatment may be necessary in some cases, such as when a thyroid cyst becomes large enough to cause compressive symptoms, leading to difficulty breathing or swallowing, in which case puncture or surgery might be considered. On the other hand, if a thyroid cyst is accompanied by abnormalities in thyroid function, it is important to assess whether there is hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism and treat according to the specific functional state. Additionally, in a small number of cases where a thyroid cyst may have a tendency to worsen, a puncture biopsy is needed to make a diagnosis, and if confirmed, surgery and appropriate treatment should be carried out.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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Is a thyroid cyst serious if it becomes malignant?

Thyroid cysts are generally benign lesions, so their malignancy rate is not high, and they generally do not become malignant. Thyroid cysts can be solitary or multiple, and usually grow slowly without any clinical symptoms. Routine monitoring is mainly based on color Doppler ultrasound to observe changes in the cysts. If the cyst shows calcification of the cyst wall or rapid growth, attention should be given to whether there are other changes or internal bleeding within the cyst. Timely surgical treatment can lead to a very good prognosis.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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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 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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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.

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Written by Zhang Li
Endocrinology
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Differences between Thyroid Cysts and Nodules

Thyroid cysts and thyroid nodules are different. Generally, thyroid nodules are classified into solid nodules, mixed nodules, and cystic nodules. Most thyroid cysts refer to cystic nodules of the thyroid, meaning that the nodules primarily contain fluid components. Usually, these thyroid cysts are nonfunctional. That is, they contain some fluid, which could be exudate or bloody fluid, but these fluids generally do not cause hormonal level changes. Nodules, on the other hand, often involve functional changes; they can be nodules that produce thyroid hormones or could be cancerous nodules. Therefore, in these respects, thyroid cysts and nodules are different.