The thyroid is a small-sized butterfly-shaped gland adjacent to the voice box and in front of the windpipe. The hormones from the thyroid glands affect almost every organ in the body and numerous processes. Sometimes the thyroid gland may be affected by an unusual lump of cells. You should immediately seek West New York advanced women’s imaging if your thyroid nodules cause symptoms.

Potential thyroid nodule symptoms are difficulty swallowing or breathing and a change in the voice like it can become hoarse. Swallowing and breathing will be difficult because the lump affecting your thyroid gland presses against the esophagus and airway. You can also experience pain and an enlargement in the front of your neck.

According to the Cleveland Clinic Organization, over 90% of diagnosed cases of thyroid nodules are non-cancerous. Still, thyroid nodules can often indicate the presence of thyroid disease. Common thyroid diseases are goiter, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism.

For instance, goiter is a condition associated with thyroid gland enlargement. The entire thyroid gland can enlarge or have one or more small nodules or lumps. You are at risk of developing goiter if you are obese, insulin resistant, or have metabolic syndrome.

Causes of thyroid nodules

Research is ongoing to unearth all the potential causes of the abnormal growth of cells affecting the thyroid gland. The existing clinical studies have established a connection between thyroid nodules and genetic factors, Hashimoto disease, or iodine deficiency.

If you had a first-degree relative with thyroid nodules, it increases your risk of the condition. On the other hand, insufficient iodine can lead to fewer healthy red blood cells and less production of thyroid hormones.

Diagnosis of thyroid nodules

When you go for a diagnosis of thyroid nodules, your doctor will physically examine the condition of your neck. Your doctor will also examine your health records. Moreover, there are various diagnostic tests for diagnosing and evaluating thyroid nodules.

Your doctor can use an imaging test such as a thyroid ultrasound. The health provider will apply a gel on the neck area to be scanned. The gel helps to eliminate air in the area that can affect the sending and receiving of the ultrasound signal. Furthermore, the gel helps the ultrasound device to have a firm grip on your skin.

The transducer emits a beam of sound waves to the neck region, and the sound waves are reflected and converted into images you can see on a screen. The health provider moves the ultrasound device over your neck to take multiple images of the structures of your neck.

Treatments for thyroid nodules

Once your doctor has performed diagnostic tests and established you have thyroid nodules, treatment should begin immediately. Without early treatment of thyroid nodules, their symptoms will become severe.

Radioiodine therapy is the most common form of treatment for thyroid nodules. It involves a patient taking radioactive iodine in a liquid or capsule form. Iodine radiation destroys the thyroid nodules, whether they are cancerous or non-cancerous. If your thyroid nodules are large, you may have to undergo surgery. Although surgery is often effective, thyroid nodules can reappear.

Contact Advanced Imaging today to schedule an appointment for diagnostic services such as ultrasound scans, x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.