Which department should I go to for a thyroid cyst?

Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
Updated on November 07, 2024
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Firstly, we recommend that patients with thyroid cysts should consult the endocrinology department first to assess thyroid function, to determine if there is hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or normal thyroid function. Then, perform a thyroid ultrasound to evaluate the size of the cyst and its relationship with surrounding tissues, etc. Therefore, patients with thyroid cysts should first visit the endocrinology department. If surgical intervention or other further treatments are necessary, then a visit to the breast and thyroid department is needed. However, it is first essential to assess the function and local conditions of the cyst in the endocrinology department before deciding on the next step of treatment.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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Do thyroid cysts require medication?

Patients with thyroid cysts who have normal thyroid function do not need oral medication treatment; they only need regular monitoring of thyroid function and thyroid ultrasound. However, patients with thyroid cysts accompanied by hyperthyroidism need to be treated for hyperthyroidism, either with oral medication, iodine-131, or surgery. When thyroid cysts are accompanied by hypothyroidism, oral hormone replacement treatment is also required to bring the thyroid function back to normal levels. Therefore, whether patients with thyroid cysts need medication depends on the results of their thyroid function tests.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Can thyroid cysts become cancerous?

Thyroid cysts can potentially become cancerous. Initially, thyroid cysts may arise from various thyroid diseases such as nodular goiter, Hashimoto's disease, thyroid adenoma, and thyroid follicular cancer, which form through degeneration, liquefaction, and hemorrhage. They are one of the common diseases of the thyroid. In the population, at least 4% of people can feel thyroid nodules larger than one centimeter. Among these nodules, about 5% to 20% are cystic. Statistics show that even benign lesions causing cysts have a 4%-5% chance of becoming cancerous when the diameter of the individual exceeds 4 centimeters. Therefore, thyroid cysts can potentially become cancerous.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Which department to see for thyroid cysts?

For which department to consult for thyroid cysts, firstly if it is just a routine physical examination and a thyroid ultrasound reveals a thyroid cyst, it is recommended to first consult the endocrinology department. An assessment of thyroid function should be conducted to see if the thyroid is functioning normally or abnormally. If it is confirmed to be simply a thyroid cyst, then the size of the cyst should be considered in deciding the next steps for treatment. If the cyst is not large and thyroid function is normal, it might be advisable to observe it for some time. If the cyst causes symptoms due to compression, surgical treatment in the department of surgery might be necessary, or dealing with the thyroid cyst using techniques such as radiofrequency ablation could be considered. Therefore, it is advised to first visit the endocrinology department and, based on the opinion of the endocrinologist, if surgical intervention is needed, then consult the breast and thyroid surgery department.

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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 Chen Xie
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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.