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 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.

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Written by Zhang Li
Endocrinology
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Do thyroid cysts need treatment?

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 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 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 Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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Can people with thyroid cysts eat sea fish?

The exact cause of thyroid cysts is not very clear, but some scholars believe it is related to iodine metabolism. Therefore, in areas where iodine is particularly lacking or particularly abundant, the incidence of thyroid cysts tends to increase. Hence, the diet should avoid both too low and too high iodine intake. As for eating sea fish, occasional consumption should be acceptable. However, eating sea fish daily may lead to excessive iodine intake, potentially causing further development of the cysts.