What Are Thyroid Nodules?

Dr. Rajiv Datta (www.rajivdattamd.com) serves South Nassau Communities Hospital in Valley Stream, New York, as the chairman of the department of surgery. One of Dr. Rajiv Datta's primary medical and research interests is thyroid cancer, which is cancer in a gland in the neck.

Thyroid cancer typically presents with a nodule, which is a solid or fluid-filled lump within the thyroid. Most thyroid nodules cause no symptoms and are not cancerous, but all should be examined by a doctor. Even noncancerous nodules, which can be obstructive or unsightly, sometimes need to be removed.

Both cancerous and noncancerous thyroid nodules can interfere with daily life. Thyroid nodules can produce thyroxine, a thyroid hormone that can cause weight loss, irregular heartbeats, and increased perspiration. 

A large thyroid nodule will usually present as a visible swelling at the base of the neck and may press on the windpipe or esophagus. However, some nodules are small enough to go unnoticed until the patient has a medical examination.