What causes thyroid cysts?

Written by Zhang Li
Endocrinology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Thyroid cysts currently have no definitive cause identified. Previously, most believed they were possibly related to iodine deficiency, as such deficiency leads to thyroid hyperplasia and an increase in thyroid cysts. However, it was later discovered that in some high-iodine coastal areas, the incidence of thyroid cysts remains high. This suggests that variations in iodine levels, such as switches from low to high iodine or from high to low iodine, can also lead to the occurrence of thyroid cysts. Additionally, it is currently believed that there might be some connection with radiation and the use of mobile phones and computers, but there is no definitive conclusion. Regardless, once thyroid cysts occur, it is important on one hand to eliminate the possibility of malignant features, ruling out thyroid cancer, and on the other hand to ensure thorough thyroid function tests to understand if there are any abnormalities in function and whether treatment is needed.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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What should be paid attention to regarding thyroid cysts?

Thyroid cysts generally do not show obvious symptoms. When a cyst significantly enlarges or internal bleeding occurs, compressive symptoms or pain may appear. Thyroid cysts can lead to hyperthyroidism, and if persistent, may eventually cause hypothyroidism. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly monitor thyroid function to understand the status of thyroid activity. The treatment of thyroid cysts primarily involves distinguishing whether they are malignant. For thyroid cysts suspected to be malignant, surgical treatment is required. Generally, thyroid cysts are benign and only require regular observation and follow-up.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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What should I do about a thyroid cyst?

What should I do if I have a thyroid cyst? First, we need to understand what a thyroid cyst is. A thyroid cyst refers to a fluid-filled sac found in the thyroid gland. Generally, patients with thyroid cysts do not show any clinical symptoms in the early stages. Some discover a lump accidentally, usually without systemic symptoms. Individual patients may exhibit symptoms such as hyperthyroidism, and some with a longer disease course can also experience hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, poor appetite, constipation, and edema. Therefore, when diagnosed with a thyroid cyst, it is crucial to determine whether the cyst is benign or malignant and whether it affects thyroid function. If it does impact function, symptomatic treatment is necessary. Of course, most thyroid cysts are benign and can be monitored over time.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Do thyroid cysts hurt?

Thyroid cysts sometimes hurt and sometimes do not. A thyroid cyst refers to a round, fluid-containing cystic structure found in the thyroid, generally 2-5 centimeters in diameter, smooth, usually painless or with mild pain, and can move up and down with swallowing. If the cyst is large or there is bleeding inside the cyst, it may cause some compressive symptoms such as pain, difficulty swallowing, breathing difficulties, and hoarseness. Therefore, whether a thyroid cyst is painful generally depends on the size of the cyst and whether there is bleeding inside it.

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Written by Yang Li
Endocrinology
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Is a grade two thyroid cyst serious?

Thyroid cysts at Grade 2A are generally not very serious. If we consider supporting points for severity in the thyroid, finding one example is considered as first-level evidence, while finding one plus another one counts as second-level evidence. Generally speaking, once it reaches Grade 4A and above, attention needs to be paid as it suggests a malignancy, indicating a higher possibility of malignancy. If it’s below 4A, at Grade 3 and below, it typically suggests a greater likelihood of benign lesions. In such cases, it is recommended to follow up dynamically and definitely conduct an ultrasonic contrast examination.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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Can people with thyroid cysts eat seaweed?

Thyroid cysts generally do not show any symptoms clinically and are mostly benign. They are usually solitary, but occasionally multiple cysts could be present. Currently, the exact cause of thyroid cysts is not completely understood. Some scholars believe that the formation of thyroid cysts is related to iodine deficiency. Others suggest that in areas with a high incidence of thyroid cysts, the iodine content is also relatively high, indicating that both exceptionally low or high levels of iodine could potentially be a cause of thyroid cysts. Seaweed is a food high in iodine. Eating seaweed occasionally should not have a significant impact, but consuming seaweed daily could lead to excessive iodine levels in the body, which is not advisable during periods of thyroid cyst affliction.