Robert Ferry Jr., MD, is a U.S. board-certified Pediatric Endocrinologist. After taking his baccalaureate degree from Yale College, receiving his doctoral degree and residency training in pediatrics at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), he completed fellowship training in pediatric endocrinology at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
The main function of the thyroid gland in the neck is to make thyroid hormone, which is essential for normal growth and metabolism.
Nodules are simply lumps which are either solid or fluid-filled. Goiter is simply a term for an enlarged thyroid gland. Autopsy studies have revealed that up to 50% of all adults die carrying at least one thyroid nodule. These people may or may not have been aware of the presence of their thyroid nodules.
Thyroid nodules are found more commonly as people age.
Most thyroid nodules are benign and not cancerous.
Only 5% of all thyroid nodules will be discovered to be thyroid cancer.
Finding cancer in a thyroid nodule is more likely in a person
younger than age
30 or older than age 60 years.
However, it is important to remember that only a small percentage of people
with thyroid cancer die as a result of their thyroid cancer.
Thyroid Nodules Causes
Causes of thyroid nodules can be classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant
(cancerous).
Benign Thyroid Nodules
There are a variety of benign thyroid nodules such as goiters, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid cysts, and benign thyroid tumors (thyroid adenomas).
Multinodular Goiter
Multinodular goiter is an overall enlargement of the thyroid gland resulting from nodules,
which either contain too many normal thyroid cells
(referred to as hyperplasia) and/or have been filled with extra colloid. Colloid is the
protein-containing substance that normally stores thyroid hormone inside the thyroid
gland.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common form of underactive thyroid
disease. This form of
hypothyroidism can be associated with thyroid nodules and goiter.
Thyroid Cyst
Commonly caused by a nodule which is bleeding or
degenerating (breaking down), these blood or colloid-filled nodules can be
associated with thyroid pain.
Benign Thyroid Tumors (Thyroid Adenomas)
Thyroid adenomas are benign abnormal growths of tissue in the thyroid gland.
They are generally classified as follicular or papillary.
Follicular adenomas are the most common type of tumors (adenomas).
Cell types of follicular tumors include fetal, colloid, atypical, and Hurthle.
Papillary adenomas are the least common type of thyroid tumor or
adenoma.
HyperthyroidismHyperthyroidism refers to a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Causes of hyperthyroidism include Graves' disease, thyroid a...learn more >>
HypothyroidismHypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Causes of hypothyroidism include Hashimotot's thyroiditis, sub...learn more >>
Thyroid CancerFind out more about thyroid cancer's symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors. The main types of thyroid cancer include papillary thyroid cancer,...learn more >>
