- Thyoid nodules are quite common - some people go their whole lives without realizing they have thyroid nodules!
- Nodules do require treatment if they start producing an excess amount of thyroid hormone, if the size interferes with breathing or swallowing, or if the nodules are malignant.
- Depending on the size of your nodule, your doctor might order a biopsy to test a small sample of tissue for malignancy. (The vast majority of nodules are benign.)
- Benign nodules can be surgically removed or in some cases treated with radiofrequency ablation.
- Nodules that are overproducing thyroid hormone can be surgically removed or patients might be prescribed low-dose treatment with antithyroid medications.
- For patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer, ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. and Light of Life Foundation have excellent resources.
