Thyroid Nodules - Safety First

You know that little “lump in your throat” feeling we sometimes blame on stress or emotions? Well, sometimes it’s not emotions but is actually your thyroid. Maybe you have been told by a GP you have one? Let’s talk about thyroid nodules, because they’re a lot more common than most women realize.

A Quick Reminder

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck. It makes hormones (mainly T4 and T3) that affect almost every cell in your body — controlling metabolism, energy, weight balance, mood, and even how warm or cold you feel. It also produces calcitonin - a hormone that helps control blood calcium levels.

When this little gland gets out of balance, it can lead to symptoms ranging from fatigue and weight gain/loss to anxiety. And sometimes, it develops nodules — small lumps or growths inside the thyroid tissue.

Thyroid Nodules - Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research 2020

Thyroid Nodules Prevalence

Nodules can happen at any age but are far more common in women and as we get older. Depending on the test, up to 68% of women may have a thyroid nodule by ultrasound. The good news - around 95% are benign (non-cancerous). Still, some need to be checked more closely.

Most nodules don’t cause symptoms and are found by chance during an exam or ultrasound.

Others can cause noticeable changes like:

• A lump you can feel in the neck

• Trouble swallowing or breathing if the nodule is large

• Hoarseness in your voice (rare)

• In some cases, too much thyroid hormone production (leading to hyperthyroidism)

Different Types of Thyroid Nodules

Not all nodules are the same. They can be:

• Solid or fluid-filled (cysts)

• Single or multiple (multinodular goiter)

• Tiny or quite large

• “Hot” (producing thyroid hormones) or “cold” (inactive)

Goiter - Clevelend Clinic 2020

Causes include:

• Thyroid tissue overgrowth (adenoma): usually benign.

• Thyroid cysts: fluid-filled, sometimes mixed with solid tissue.

• Hashimoto’s disease: inflammation that can create nodules, often linked with hypothyroidism.

• Goiter: thyroid enlargement, often from iodine deficiency.

• Iodine deficiency itself: still seen in some Australian diets despite fortification.

• Thyroid cancer: only about 5% of nodules, but family history and radiation exposure increase the risk.

Palpable Thyroid Nodule - WebMD 2020

Thyroid Goiter - Healthline 2020

When Should You Get Tested?

If you notice a lump in your neck or have persistent changes in your voice, swallowing, or breathing — it’s worth checking. Even without symptoms, your doctor may pick up a nodule during a routine exam.

Testing usually involves:

• Blood tests: to check thyroid hormones and antibody levels - TSH, T4, T3, rT3, TPO, TG.

• Ultrasound: to see the size, shape, and whether there are multiple nodules.

• Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA): a quick test to see if cells look benign or cancerous.

• Occasionally, genetic or advanced scans if results are unclear.

How Are Nodules Treated?

Allopathic treatment depends on what type of nodule you have:

• Small, benign nodules: often just monitored with regular check-ups.

• Overactive (“hot”) nodules: may need medication, radioactive iodine, or sometimes surgery if they cause hyperthyroidism or symptoms.

• Large nodules causing pressure: surgery may be recommended.

• Suspicious or cancerous nodules: usually removed with surgery, followed by thyroid hormone support.

The positive news? Most thyroid cancers are curable, especially when detected early.

Although thyroid nodules are incredibly common — especially for women and most are harmless, it’s important to get them checked, monitored, and properly tested.

If you’ve noticed changes in your neck, voice, or energy, don’t ignore them. Early testing gives clarity, peace of mind, and if needed, treatment options that work. Natural medicine greatly compliments allopathic treatments at all stages and types of thyroid nodules.

Have a question or concern? Let me know at our next appointment or book a free 15-minute discovery call if you are new to our Thyroid Health community.

References

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• Vriens, D., de Wilt, J. H., van der Wilt, G. J., Netea-Maier, R. T., Oyen, W. J., & de Geus-Oei, L. F. (2011). The role of [(18)F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography in thyroid nodules with indeterminate fine-needle aspiration biopsy: Systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. Cancer, 117(4), 458–469.