"I have a bump on my thyroid."

 

This is something I hear a lot in clinic. It’s ok. And it’s natural to have a little fear or reservation when things seem out of the ordinary.

Bumps in the thyroid are called nodules, and they are actually really common.  Researchers have found that about 5% of people have a thyroid nodule that can be felt, but anywhere from 20-60% of adults have nodules that would be found by an ultrasound. That’s a lot of nodules! 

STEP ONE is NOT to worry prematurely.  Small nodules (less than 1.5 cm) usually just can be watched. I would prefer to be the one watching it instead of you, though. So please do come on into the clinic and let’s take a look.

Larger ones sometimes need a little more evaluation, such as a simple procedure called an FNA.  FNA, or “fine needle aspiration” is just a needle biopsy.  If the nodule is easy to feel, I can perform this in clinic.  If the nodule is difficult to feel, then it can be done by a radiologist who can guide the needle with an ultrasound.  

Now, sometimes the needle biopsy can’t determine if the nodule has cancer or not.  Then, we do a short, outpatient surgery to remove the nodule and find out.  

The vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign (NOT cancer).  On fact, only 5% have cancer cells in them.  That’s good news.  The other good news is that most thyroid cancers have an excellent prognosis.  You will have to have surgery and sometimes will need additional treatment called radioactive iodine.  Myself and my partners perform hundreds of thyroid surgeries every year for patients who need nodules removed.  If you have a nodule and are concerned, we will get you taken care of. 

 
 
 

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Throat, Daily LifeErin Shellenbergerthroat, thyroid, nodules