Get Help With Your Thyroid Issues
Thyroid nodules are small lumps that can form on your thyroid gland, which is located just above your breastbone. Most nodules are benign and may be monitored with regular thyroid ultrasounds. A small percentage of nodules, however, can be cancerous. For this reason, it's important to get all of your nodules checked.
Symptoms & Indicators
- Excess or unbalanced hormone levels
- Small lump near throat
- Pain in the neck, jaw, or ear
- Tickle in the throat or difficulty swallowing
Thyroid Nodule Testing
Initial testing may require blood work to measure your thyroid hormone level and a physical exam to see if we can feel any nodules. Not all thyroid nodules can be felt on physical exam. Nodules once found, require an ultrasound of the thyroid and in some cases a biopsy might be indicated.
Treatment
Thyroid Replacement Therapy
Sometimes nodules can cause the thyroid to not function correctly and medication maybe needed to help the thyroid.
Thyroidectomy
In some cases, the thyroid or part of the thyroid gland is removed. This can happen if the nodule is cancerous or concerning, if the nodule is causing shortness of breath or causing the neck to be aesthetically displeasing.
Refill Your Thyroid Prescription Medication
Thyroid FAQs
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your throat that manages your body's hormone levels and metabolism.
Nodules in the thyroid can be caused by previous radiation exposure or from Iodine deficiency, which is rare in the United States. Most times we don’t know why someone gets a nodule in their thyroid gland. Nodules are more common as we age.
Typically, hyperthyroidism causes weight loss, irritability, increased heart rate, hand tremors, and/or trouble sleeping. Hypothyroidism can cause fatigue, weight gain, lethargy, dry skin, and hair loss. Autoimmune thyroiditis called Hashimoto’s can cause similar symptoms.
Nearly 30% of adult women have thyroid nodules that can be detected via ultrasound. Of these, only 10% of these growths are cancer-causing.
This procedure is performed with a local anesthetic at your doctor's office. Guided by ultrasound imaging, your doctor will use a thin, hollow needle to take a very small sample of your thyroid, which takes only a few seconds. The actual procedure typically last less than 5 minutes.
Your results should be ready within 2 weeks. After that point, we can help you determine the best path of action.
Still Have Questions?
As your allies in wellness, our team strives to address all of your questions and concerns. Give us a call and we'll work with you to get the best answers.