Will a thyroid nodule found during a physical examination turn into cancer? It’s not too late to know now

Can thyroid nodules turn into cancer?

01What is a thyroid nodule?

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the human neck, like a butterfly, covering the anterior and lateral side of the trachea. Thyroid nodules are abnormally proliferating cell clusters that appear inside the thyroid gland.

Many people become aware of its existence through physical examination reports. In fact, thyroid nodules are very common, mainly due to two problems: First, because of the fast pace of life and high pressure in life, many people have irregular diets and work and rest schedules. As an endocrine organ, changes in the physiological state of the thyroid gland will have some impact on the function and morphology of the entire gland. Second, because the popularity of ultrasound is very high now, ultrasound is a simple, non-invasive, fast and inexpensive examination method. Many units have included ultrasound in routine physical examinations, so the detection rate of thyroid nodules has increased. Surveys show that the detection rate of thyroid nodules in adults can reach more than 30%, but we need to remind everyone not to be overly nervous even if thyroid nodules are detected, because the vast majority of thyroid nodules are not harmful to our overall health.

02How to diagnose thyroid nodules

Generally, smaller thyroid nodules have no symptoms. When the lump is larger, we can see or feel it in the neck, and it moves up and down with swallowing, then it may be a thyroid nodule. Generally speaking, if we find such a neck lump, we should go to the hospital for examination. The most common examination prescribed by the doctor is thyroid ultrasound. Nowadays, ultrasound technology can basically achieve a relatively accurate estimate of thyroid nodules.

03How to treat thyroid nodules

Thyroid nodules only need to be treated when there are local compression symptoms or when malignancy is suspected.

The thyroid gland is a superficial organ located in front of the trachea in the middle of the neck. When a nodule or lump develops in the thyroid gland, people with a thin body type can see or feel the lump on the neck. If the lump is large, it will press on the trachea and even affect the esophagus behind it, causing a feeling of obstruction when breathing and swallowing. This situation requires surgical treatment.

Generally speaking, ultrasound report grading is based on the morphology, size, echo, blood supply, location and surrounding adjacent relationships of the thyroid nodules. The risk of malignancy of 4A-grade nodules may be less than 10%, so you just need to observe closely. If 4B, 4C or even 5-grade nodules appear, the possibility of malignancy is very high. At this time, fine needle aspiration biopsy is required to further clarify the nature of the nodules. If malignancy is suspected, please undergo surgery as soon as possible.