A nodule in the thyroid gland is often discovered as an incidental finding on imaging for another condition. You may also feel a mass in the neck when touching it or while shaving. Sometimes a nodule is also visible externally. If you suspect a nodule in the thyroid gland, it is best to contact your doctor.
Bring the results of a blood sample or imaging that have already been taken along with you to the endocrinology consultation. You are not required to fast. Additional scans include performing an ultrasound of the neck region, CT of the neck and isotope scan (thyroid scintigraphy). If a nodule is detected, a puncture will often be performed. Cells are aspirated from the nodule using a fine needle and examined in the lab. Only 5 to 10% of thyroid nodules are cancerous.
After diagnosis, we will discuss the best solution with you. It is possible to opt for thyroid surgery. This procedure is performed under general anesthetic, in which the thyroid gland is completely or partially removed. If the nodule is overactive, it is possible to opt for treatment with radioactive iodine. It may also be proposed to wait and monitor the further evolution of the thyroid volume.
Please contact your treating doctor for more information.
