Skjaldkirtilshnútur

Skjaldkirtilshnútur is the Icelandic term for a thyroid nodule. A thyroid nodule is a lump or growth that forms within the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the neck, responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism. These nodules are quite common, especially in women and as people age. Most thyroid nodules are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, a small percentage can be malignant.

The exact cause of thyroid nodules is often unknown, but factors like iodine deficiency, certain thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and radiation exposure can contribute to their formation. Many thyroid nodules cause no symptoms and are discovered incidentally during a routine physical examination or imaging tests for other conditions. When symptoms do occur, they might include a palpable lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing if the nodule is large enough to press on the esophagus or trachea, or hoarseness if it affects the vocal cords.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, ultrasound of the thyroid, and sometimes blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is often performed on suspicious nodules to determine if they are benign or cancerous. Treatment depends on the nature of the nodule. Benign nodules may require no treatment or monitoring. If a nodule is causing symptoms, is cancerous, or suspicious, options can include surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, or thyroid hormone suppression therapy.