What should I do if I find out that I have thyroid nodules?

This is the 3625th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

Located in the middle of the front of the human neck, there is a pair of invisible wings on both sides of the trachea, which looks like a butterfly spreading its wings to fly. It is very powerful, like a master switch, and is an important endocrine organ in our body - the "thyroid gland". It can secrete thyroid hormones, regulate metabolism, promote growth and development, and regulate the balance of calcium in the body. Once it fails, the body will become abnormal.

As people pay more attention to their health, the detection of "thyroid nodules" during annual physical examinations has become a hot topic. Related studies show that about 1 in 10 people are diagnosed with thyroid nodules. So, what should we do if we find "thyroid nodules"? Let us learn about "thyroid nodules" in one stop!

1. What is “thyroid nodule”?

Thyroid nodules are a general term for lumps in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland moves up and down with swallowing. Studies show that the incidence of thyroid nodules is 19-67%, and the probability of malignant nodules is only about 5%, so there is no need to be afraid of "nodules".

2. How come nodules appear out of nowhere?

There are many reasons for the formation of thyroid nodules, mainly related to the following factors:

Iodine deficiency or excess intake;

Autoimmune disorders;

Family inheritance;

History of radiation exposure to the neck;

Viral infections;

Anxiety, depression, etc.

3. What examinations do you need to do if you have nodules?

Thyroid B-ultrasound is the first choice, as it is the simplest and most economical method. If TI-RADS 4 or above appears on the ultrasound diagnosis report, a puncture biopsy is recommended to further determine whether it is a malignant tumor. At the same time, blood can be drawn for "thyroid function" testing.

4. Is it necessary to have surgical removal of nodules?

Generally, thyroid nodules are harmless to the body and only require follow-up observation. However, surgical removal may be required in the following situations:

The nodule is relatively large in diameter, with compression symptoms or combined with hoarseness, dysphagia, etc.

The nodules are located behind the sternum or in the mediastinum;

The nodules grow rapidly in a short period of time and may become malignant;

Accompanied by hyperthyroidism, which is ineffective with oral medication;

If the thyroid puncture biopsy is diagnosed as suspicious or malignant, surgery is required as soon as possible.

5. How to coexist peacefully with nodules?

Don’t worry about the nodules you find. Be the guardian of your own invisible wings, because most benign nodules do not require special treatment, but you need to do the following six things:

Regular review

Generally speaking, those who tend to be benign should be re-examined every 6-12 months; those nodules that cannot be completely determined to be benign or malignant should be re-examined every 3-6 months. The main re-examination items are color Doppler ultrasound of the neck (including thyroid gland and cervical lymph nodes), and the results are compared with the previous examination results;

Eating habits

Simple nodules do not need to avoid iodine, but it is recommended to eat less or no cruciferous foods, such as radish, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, cassava, etc.

Exercise habits

For simple benign nodules, normal exercise can be performed, but if combined with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, it must be performed under the guidance of a doctor;

Lifestyle

Quit smoking and drinking, rest on time, don't stay up late, and ensure adequate sleep.

Emotional Management

Control your negative emotions and maintain a cheerful, optimistic and positive attitude;

Focus

Please seek medical attention promptly if you experience abnormal enlargement of nodules, hoarseness, abnormal swallowing, weight loss, etc.

6. If the "nodule" is unfortunately diagnosed as thyroid cancer,

Is it really a “terminal illness”?

Thyroid cancer can be roughly divided into four types: papillary carcinoma (PTC), follicular carcinoma (FTC), medullary carcinoma (MTC), and anaplastic carcinoma (ATC). Papillary carcinoma is relatively less malignant and is known as "lazy cancer" or "happy cancer", and generally has a better prognosis; follicular carcinoma is in the middle, while medullary carcinoma and anaplastic carcinoma have relatively poor prognosis.

About 90% of thyroid cancers are cured through surgery and standardized treatment, with a 5-year survival rate of 88.5%, among which the 5-year survival rate for women is 92.8% and for men is 75.4%.

Therefore, it is very important to treat thyroid cancer correctly, and we must achieve: early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment.

7. Prevention is the key. How to do daily maintenance of the thyroid gland?

1. Three Essentials:

★ Have regular physical examinations: After the age of 35, especially for women, it is best to have a thyroid function test and thyroid B-ultrasound every 5 years;

★ Learn to relieve stress and keep your mood relaxed;

★ Exercise actively to improve the body's immunity.

(II) Three Don’ts:

★ Don’t overwork yourself;

★ Try to avoid exposure to ionizing radiation: The thyroid gland is the most radiation-sensitive organ in the human body, so possible radiation exposure should be minimized;

★ Don’t take medicine randomly: especially weight loss pills or health care pills, which will affect the body’s metabolism, causing changes in hormone secretion levels and stimulating thyroid dysfunction.

I hope everyone can treat nodules correctly and scientifically maintain “this pair of invisible wings” so that they can fully bloom with the beauty of life!

【References】

1. Tian Xingsong, Liu Qi. Practical Thyroid Surgery (2nd Edition)[M].

2. Fang Jugao. Benign thyroid nodules should be carefully treated with surgery[J]. Chinese Journal of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery,

2014,21（3）:113-115.

3. Wu Yi. Several issues worthy of attention in surgical treatment of thyroid nodules[J]. Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery

Journal, 2015, 35(6):577-583.

4. Zhu Jingqiang, Su Anping. Rational choice of surgical treatment for thyroid nodules[J]. Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery

Journal, 2015, 35(6):635-639.

Author: Shanghai Pudong New Area Zhoupu Hospital

Fan Weihong, Head Nurse