Kilpnäärmesõlmede

Kilpnäärmesõlmed are lumps or growths that can form within the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck. These nodules are very common, especially as people age, and are typically benign. While most are asymptomatic, some can produce excess thyroid hormone, leading to hyperthyroidism. Others may grow large enough to cause noticeable symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a visible swelling in the neck.

The exact cause of kilpnäärmesõlmed is not always clear, but factors like iodine deficiency, certain thyroid conditions, and a history of radiation exposure to the neck are known risk factors. They can also be a result of an overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue or fluid-filled cysts.

Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination, blood tests to assess thyroid hormone levels, and imaging techniques like ultrasound. Ultrasound is particularly useful for determining the size, number, and characteristics of the nodules. Further evaluation, such as a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, may be performed if a nodule appears suspicious for cancer.

Treatment for kilpnäärmesõlmed depends on their nature and any associated symptoms. Most benign nodules do not require treatment and are simply monitored. If a nodule is causing hyperthyroidism, treatment may involve radioactive iodine therapy, medication, or surgery. Nodules that are causing compression symptoms or are suspected of being cancerous will typically be surgically removed. The vast majority of thyroid nodules are not cancerous.