Thyroid nodule

Infobox_Disease
Name = PAGENAME


Caption =
DiseasesDB = 5332
ICD10 =
ICD9 = ICD9|241.0
ICDO =
OMIM =
MedlinePlus =
eMedicineSubj = med
eMedicineTopic = 3224
MeshID = D016606

Thyroid Nodules are lumps which commonly arise within an otherwise normal thyroid gland.cite web |url=http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/nodules.html |title=New York Thyroid Center: Thyroid Nodules |format= |work= |accessdate=]

Presentation

Often these abnormal growths of thyroid tissue are located at the edge of the thyroid gland so they can be felt as a lump in the throat. When they are large or when they occur in very thin individuals, they can even sometimes be seen as a lump in the front of the neck.

Diagnosis

Thyroid Nodules, are extremely common in young adults and children almost 50% of people have had one, but they are usually only detected by a GP during the course of a health examination, or through a different affliction.

Needle aspiration biopsy can be used to asses the condition.cite web |url=http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/MedEd/medicine/endonew/thyrndl/thyrdndl.htm |title=Thyroid Nodule |format= |work= |accessdate=]

Malignancy

Only a small percentage of lumps in the neck are malignant, and most thyroid nodules are benign.

There are many factors to consider when diagnosing a malignant lump.

If the patient is a smoker, the chances of malignancy are considerably higher. When coupled with difficulty swallowing or breathing, this may be a symptom of a serious condition and requires speedy medical attention.

References