Ashford Clinic Blog
5 Signs You Might Have A Thyroid Nodule
Thyroid and parathyroid disorders are very common, affecting millions of Americans each year, but we understand that it can be hard to know what to look for when it comes to these disorders. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine if you are having an issue with your thyroid because the neck is home to various glands and organs with different functions and purposes, including the vocal cords, windpipe, tonsils, esophagus, etc. Since thyroid nodules and cysts rarely cause symptoms, here are 5 signs that you may have a thyroid nodule, and what to do about it.
You Can Feel It
Sometimes a thyroid cyst or nodule can become so large that it can be felt in the neck.
You Can See It
As a visible lump or swelling in the base of the neck.
Trouble Breathing or Swallowing
If a nodule becomes large enough to compress the windpipe or esophagus.
Unexplained Weight Loss
A sign of the thyroid gland producing extra thyroxine, referred to as hyperthyroidism.
Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat
Another sign of possible hyperthyroidism.
The important thing to remember is not to panic or worry if you think you have a thyroid nodule or are experiencing any of these symptoms. Most nodules and cysts (over 90%) are benign and most thyroid cancers are curable and rarely create life-threatening problems. In many cases, thyroid nodules and cysts are discovered during routine physical examinations or during imaging tests performed for unrelated reasons. With that said, if you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms described above, contact your doctor. Most of the time, thyroid nodules never cause problems in most patients, but all thyroid nodules need to be evaluated by a doctor. If you are in the Athens, GA area, the Ashford Clinic is here for you! Call us at 706-248-6860 to schedule an appointment.
