Thyroid conditions and lumps

Thyroid lumps (nodules) only produce symptoms as a result of their size or location within the thyroid gland. They can also be caused by fluid filled cysts. More than 95% are benign (non-cancerous), and they are three times more common in women than men. Malignant (cancerous) thyroid lumps are rare and usually treatable. The thyroid gland makes the hormones T3 and T4, which control your metabolic rate, and calcitonin which regulates the amount of calcium in your blood. The most common symptoms of thyroid lumps are: - swelling in the neck - hoarse voice - sore throat - difficulty swallowing - pain or discomfort in the throat

Thyroid lumps can be diagnosed in several ways. Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you. Tests they recommend may include: - blood test (to determine how well the thyroid gland is working) - biopsy (a small sample of cells may be taken from the thyroid lump and examined under a microscope) - CT scan or ultrasound of the thyroid lump

Treatment options for thyroid lumps depend on the type of lump/nodule you have, whether it is benign or malignant (cancerous) and your overall health and fitness. These may include: - surgery to remove the thyroid lump/nodule - surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland (total thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy) - thyroid hormone therapy - radioactive iodine treatment, where a radioactive substance is swallowed and travels through your blood to kill the cancer cells - chemotherapy to prevent the growth of cancer - radiotherapy to kill cancer cells through radiation