Thyroid Enlargements
The Basics:
As discussed before, enlargements in the thyroid can be found on clinical exams. A diffuse enlargement is most typically seen in Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism. Alternatively, a thyroid nodule(s) has a more irregular form. And, whether it’s a single nodule (solitary nodular enlargement), and/or many nodules (multi-nodular enlargement) your clinician will likely want to learn more about them.
Why do we Care about These nodules?
From a clinical perspective, we want to know if they are:
- Producing Hormones (more likely if you’re having symptoms of HYPER thyroid function: elevated heart rate, loss of appetite, weight loss etc)
- Pressing on Important nearby Structures (are you having trouble swallowing or speaking?)
- Cancerous or Benign.
Therefore, in these scenarios you may be asked to complete an Ultrasound, a Fine Needle Aspiration/Biopsy, and/or a RadioIodine Uptake Exam.
It’s always scary to hear you have a “nodule(s)” so, while this is an area that we would enlist the help of our Endocrinology colleagues, our hope is to help educate to support your empowerment!