Kilpnäärmehüppeks

Kilpnäärmehüppeks, also known as a thyroid nodule, is a discrete lump or growth within the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located at the base of the neck, responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism. Thyroid nodules are very common, with studies indicating that a significant percentage of the population has at least one, though many remain undetected due to their small size.

The exact cause of most thyroid nodules is not fully understood, but they can arise from various factors. These include overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue (adenomas), inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis), or fluid-filled cysts. In rare instances, a nodule can be a sign of thyroid cancer, although the vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign.

Symptoms associated with thyroid nodules are often absent, especially if they are small. When symptoms do occur, they may include a visible lump in the neck, a feeling of fullness or tightness, difficulty swallowing or breathing if the nodule is large and presses on the trachea or esophagus, or hoarseness if it affects the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Some nodules can also produce excess thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and anxiety.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination of the neck, followed by imaging techniques like ultrasound. Ultrasound is highly effective at visualizing nodules, determining their size, and characterizing their features. Blood tests to assess thyroid hormone levels are also common. If a nodule appears suspicious on ultrasound, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be performed to obtain cells for microscopic examination, which is the most reliable method for distinguishing between benign and malignant nodules. Treatment depends on whether the nodule is benign or malignant, its size, and whether it is causing symptoms or hormonal imbalances.