What causes thyroid cysts?

Written by Zhang Li
Endocrinology
Updated on September 15, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
49sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
53sec home-news-image

Do thyroid cysts require surgery?

Thyroid cysts are benign nodules that generally only require follow-up observation. It is recommended to have a re-examination every 6 to 12 months, including thyroid ultrasound and thyroid function tests, to monitor the status of the cyst. If the cyst is large and affects breathing or even swallowing, cyst aspiration drainage can be performed, and nowadays radiofrequency ablation surgery is also an option. However, if the thyroid cyst shows signs of malignancy, a puncture for cytological examination is necessary to determine its benign or malignant nature. If it is malignant, thyroid cancer removal surgery is needed. Therefore, not all thyroid cysts require surgical treatment; it depends on the specific situation.

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
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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Li
Endocrinology
45sec home-news-image

Does thyroid cyst affect pregnancy?

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.