Where to massage for a thyroid cyst?

Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
Updated on November 07, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhang Li
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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.

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How to treat thyroid cysts?

Thyroid cysts refer to fluid-filled sacs found in the thyroid, generally round in shape and varying in size, with no significant clinical symptoms. They can appear as a single nodule or multiple nodules. Typically, when thyroid cysts are detected, high-resolution thyroid ultrasonography can be used to observe their ultrasonographic appearance. Thyroid cysts are generally considered benign thyroid nodules and usually do not require treatment. Regular follow-up with thyroid ultrasound is sufficient. If the thyroid cyst is too large and causes compressive symptoms, such as difficulty in breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, etc., surgical removal can be considered.

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Written by Luo Juan
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Can thyroid cysts drink soy milk?

Patients with thyroid cysts can generally drink soy milk. First, let's understand what a thyroid cyst is. A thyroid cyst is a fluid-containing sac found in the thyroid gland. The lump is usually round, with a diameter of 2-5 cm, smooth, and generally painless or slightly painful. Most are solitary nodules, with multiple nodules being rare. Thyroid cysts usually do not display symptoms unless the cyst is large or there is some bleeding inside the cyst, which may cause symptoms of compression such as pain, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, and hoarseness. Therefore, for thyroid cysts, if malignant, surgical removal is required; if benign, they are typically observed with follow-up. Thus, patients with thyroid cysts can drink soy milk.

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Do thyroid cysts require surgery?

Thyroid cysts are relatively common in clinical practice. Whether surgery is necessary depends on two factors. On one hand, it depends on whether the cyst is malignant. If the ultrasound reveals small calcifications within the cyst, or other signs of malignancy, then a fine needle aspiration of the thyroid should be carried out for a pathological examination. If the cyst is confirmed to be malignant, surgery is generally recommended. However, if the examination indicates that the thyroid cyst is benign with a low malignancy level, surgery is usually not required. However, if the thyroid cyst is large, affects appearance, causes significant swallowing difficulties or hinders neck movement, surgery can also be considered.

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How should thyroid cysts be treated?

Thyroid cysts refer to fluid-containing sac-like formations found in the thyroid gland. For their treatment, thyroid cysts are a type of benign tumor of the thyroid. In imaging studies, if the nodule's diameter is less than one centimeter, it usually presents no clinical symptoms or signs. Regular follow-ups with thyroid ultrasonography and thyroid function tests are advised. If there is no trend of enlargement, continued observation without surgical intervention can be appropriate. However, if the nodule's diameter is greater than one centimeter, or if it is located on the surface of the thyroid, the local skin may show a protrusion or bulge, and the cyst may continue to grow, pressing on the trachea or even the esophagus, causing symptoms such as chest tightness, difficulty breathing, a feeling of swallowing, and obstruction. It is important to seek medical attention in a timely manner, undergo a fine needle aspiration biopsy if necessary, and surgical treatment may be required if needed.