Kilpnäärmesõlmi

Kilpnäärmesõlmi (thyroid nodules) are lumps or growths that can form within the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck, responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism. These nodules are very common, particularly in women and older individuals. Most thyroid nodules are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, a small percentage can be malignant.

The exact cause of most thyroid nodules is unknown. Factors that may contribute include iodine deficiency, certain genetic predispositions, and autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In some cases, they can develop as a response to overgrowth of thyroid tissue, known as a goiter.

Many thyroid nodules do not cause any symptoms and are often discovered incidentally during a routine physical examination or imaging tests for other conditions. When symptoms do occur, they can include a visible swelling or lump in the neck, pain in the neck, throat or ears, difficulty swallowing or breathing due to pressure on the esophagus or trachea, or hoarseness if the nodule affects the vocal cords. Some nodules can also produce excess thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, and tremors.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels, and imaging studies like ultrasound. Ultrasound is the primary tool for characterizing nodules, assessing their size, shape, and internal composition. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is often performed on suspicious nodules to determine whether they are benign or cancerous. Treatment depends on whether the nodule is benign or malignant, its size, and any associated symptoms. Benign nodules may only require monitoring. Malignant nodules usually require surgery, and sometimes radioactive iodine therapy or thyroid hormone suppression therapy.