Fertility & infertility_Preview

A thyroid nodule is a growth of thyroid cells that forms a lump within the thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules are quite common, with as many as half of all people having at least one nodule by the age of 60.

There are several different types of thyroid nodules, including:

• Thyroid cysts are typically filled with fluid and usually benign.

• Solid thyroid nodules are nodules filled with cells and protein.

• Complex thyroid nodules (cystic and solid) contain both fluid and solid components.

• Multinodular goiter describes an enlarged thyroid gland containing multiple thyroid nodules.

• Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, which may lead to the development of hyperthyroidism.

Although the vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign (noncancerous), a small proportion can contain thyroid cancer. In order to diagnose and treat thyroid cancer at the earliest stage, all thyroid nodules should be thoroughly evaluated when detected.