What's wrong with thyroid nodules during physical examination

Thyroid nodules may be caused by abnormal iodine intake, thyroid inflammation, thyroid adenoma, thyroid cyst, thyroid cancer, etc. They can be intervened through regular follow-up, drug treatment, radiofrequency ablation, surgical resection, and other methods.

1. Abnormal iodine intake

Long term iodine deficiency or excess may stimulate thyroid tissue hyperplasia and form nodules. Most regions in our country have popularized the use of iodized salts, but residents in coastal areas should pay attention to avoiding excessive intake of high iodine foods such as seaweed and seaweed. This type of nodule is mostly benign, and after adjusting the diet, the nodule may shrink without special treatment. It is recommended to have a thyroid ultrasound review every 6-12 months.

2. Thyroid inflammation

Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis can cause destruction of thyroid follicles, forming tough nodules. Patients often have symptoms of hypothyroidism such as fear of cold and fatigue, which need to be diagnosed through thyroid function tests and antibody testing. Use levothyroxine sodium tablet to regulate hormone, and cooperate with traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations such as Prunella vulgaris capsule to alleviate inflammation according to doctor's advice.

3. Thyroid adenoma

A benign tumor formed by abnormal proliferation of thyroid follicular epithelial cells, with clear boundaries and complete halo on ultrasound. There may be a feeling of compression in the neck or discomfort during swallowing, but most cases have no conscious symptoms. Patients with a diameter less than 3 centimeters and no malignant signs can be observed, while larger adenomas can be treated with ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation.

4. Thyroid cyst

A cystic lesion filled with fluid in the thyroid gland, with a soft texture on palpation and a clear diagnosis on ultrasound examination. Sudden enlargement of the cyst may be accompanied by bleeding and pain, and requires puncture and fluid extraction to alleviate symptoms. Recurrent cysts can be treated with injection of polidocanol sclerosant, while excluding the possibility of malignancy associated with cystic solid nodules.

5. Thyroid cancer

Papillary carcinoma and other malignant tumors are characterized by nodules with hard texture, irregular morphology, and microcalcifications on ultrasound. May be accompanied by hoarseness or lymph node enlargement, and diagnosis requires fine needle aspiration biopsy. Select total or partial thyroidectomy surgery based on pathological type, and long-term use of levothyroxine sodium tablets is required to suppress TSH after surgery.

After discovering thyroid nodules, one should avoid neck compression and radiation exposure, control emotional fluctuations to reduce hormone secretion stimulation. Ensure moderate intake of seafood in daily life to maintain iodine balance, and conduct annual follow-up thyroid ultrasound to observe nodule dynamics. If there is rapid growth of nodules, changes in sound, or swelling of cervical lymph nodes in the short term, it is necessary to seek further evaluation from an endocrinology or thyroid surgery department in a timely manner.