What Increases Your Risk

You are more likely to develop a thyroid nodule if:

• You are older. Thyroid nodules are more common in older people.
• You are female. Women are more likely than men to develop thyroid nodules.
• You have been exposed to radiation. Exposure to environmental radiation or past radiation treatment to your head, neck, and chest (especially during childhood) increases your risk for thyroid nodules.
• You do not get enough iodine. Iodine deficiency is rare in the United States but it is common in areas where iodine is not added to salt, food, and water. An iodine deficiency may result in an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), with or without nodules.
• You have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Hashimoto's thyroiditis can cause an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).
• One or both of your parents have had thyroid nodules.

When To Call a Doctor

Call your doctor if you have any of these signs of thyroid nodules:

• Swelling in your neck for more than 2 weeks
• A hoarse or scratchy voice that is not caused by a cold or throat infection and lasts longer than 1 month
• A hard time swallowing
• Symptoms of a thyroid problem, such as feeling tired, weak, or nervous, losing weight, having trouble sleeping, or having a fast heartbeat

If you have had part of your thyroid gland removed because of noncancerous thyroid nodules, you will need regular medical checkups to make sure your thyroid gland is working well.

Who To See

Different types of health professionals can help treat a thyroid problem.

• Family medicine doctor or general practitioner
• Internist
• Pediatrician
• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant

Your doctor may also refer you to an endocrinologist for further tests and treatment.

If you need a special exam or treatment, you may see one of these types of doctors:

• Nuclear medicine physician (a doctor who specializes in medicine using different types of radioactive substances)
• Surgeon
• Otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist)

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.