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What is benign thyroid nodule?
Benign thyroid nodules are abnormal growths or lumps in the thyroid. They don’t usually cause any signs or symptoms. They are often found during a routine medical exam by a doctor. Sometimes they grow large enough for you to see or feel them. If the nodules are large, they may make it hard to swallow or breathe.
Can benign thyroid nodules turn into cancer?
Are thyroid nodules cancer? The vast majority — more than 95% — of thyroid nodules are benign (noncancerous). If concern arises about the possibility of cancer, the doctor may simply recommend monitoring the nodule over time to see if it grows.
Do benign thyroid nodules stay benign?
Benign thyroid nodules remain benign during follow-up. Thyroid nodule: an abnormal growth of thyroid cells that forms a lump within the thyroid. While most thyroid nodules are non-cancerous (Benign), ~5% are cancerous. Thyroid Ultrasound: a common imaging test used to evaluate the structure of the thyroid gland.
Should benign thyroid nodules be removed?
Most noncancerous, or benign, thyroid nodules do not need treatment unless they are a cosmetic concern or cause symptoms including problems with swallowing, breathing, or speaking and neck discomfort.
Can a benign nodule become malignant?
Conclusion: Some benign thyroid nodules have malignant potential. Further molecular testing of these tumors can shed light on the pathogenesis of early malignant transformation.
Should you remove a benign thyroid nodule?
Thyroid nodules are the most common endocrine disorder. Nodules are evaluated for thyroid cancer with a biopsy and those containing cancer or suspicious for cancer are removed by surgery. Benign nodules are usually not removed unless they grow over time or cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or choking.
How fast do benign thyroid nodules grow?
More importantly, most nodules, whether they are benign or cancerous, either are stable or grown <2 mm/year. This is helpful in the long term management of thyroid nodules. Thyroid nodule: an abnormal growth of thyroid cells that forms a lump within the thyroid.
What causes benign thyroid nodules?
The majority of thyroid nodules are caused by an overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue. The cause of this overgrowth is usually unknown, but there is a strong genetic basis. In rare cases, thyroid nodules are associated with: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that leads to hypothyroidism.
What is the best treatment for thyroid nodules?
A common treatment for cancerous nodules is surgical removal. In the past, it was standard to remove a majority of thyroid tissue — a procedure called near-total thyroidectomy. However, today more limited surgery to remove only half of the thyroid may be appropriate for some cancerous nodules.
Are thyroid nodules something to worry about?
Although most thyroid nodules are noncancerous and don’t cause problems, ask your doctor to evaluate any unusual swelling in your neck, especially if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. It’s important to evaluate the possibility of cancer.
Can an ultrasound determine if a thyroid nodule is benign?
Keep in mind, however, that an ultrasound alone cannot make the diagnosis of cancer. This test will usually help determine that the nodule has a low chance of being cancerous (has characteristics of a benign nodule), or that it has some characteristics of a cancerous nodule, and therefore a biopsy is indicated.