Skjaldkirtilshnútum

Skjaldkirtilshnútum, also known as thyroid nodules, are lumps that can form in the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism. These nodules are quite common, particularly in older individuals and women, and are often discovered incidentally during medical examinations or imaging for other conditions.

The vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, a small percentage can be malignant. The cause of thyroid nodule formation is not always clear, but factors such as iodine deficiency, autoimmune thyroid disease, and radiation exposure to the neck can contribute.

Symptoms associated with thyroid nodules are often absent, especially if they are small. When symptoms do occur, they can include a palpable lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing if the nodule is large and pressing on surrounding structures, or hoarseness if it affects the vocal cords. Some nodules can also produce excess thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heart rate, weight loss, and anxiety.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, thyroid function tests to assess hormone levels, and an ultrasound of the neck to visualize the nodules, assess their size, and determine their characteristics. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is often performed on suspicious nodules to determine whether they are benign or malignant. Treatment depends on the nature of the nodule; benign nodules may not require treatment, while cancerous nodules or those causing symptoms are usually removed surgically.