The thyroid gland is the largest endocrine gland in the human body. The formations, or nodes, differ in density and structure from the glandular tissue, so sometimes the patient can feel them on their own, but not always. Palpation is not amenable to deep-seated formations or located low. Why is a thyroid nodule dangerous? This question cannot be answered unequivocally, because almost any disease of the thyroid gland is accompanied by the appearance of nodules.
Knots. Why do they appear?
As mentioned above, many diseases contribute to the appearance of formations on the thyroid gland. In order to establish a diagnosis, you need to contact an endocrinologist.
Before you ask yourself if thyroid nodules are dangerous, you need to figure out what diseases they most often appear in.
So, most often, when formations on the gland are detected, a person is diagnosed with a goiter. This pathology appears with a frequency of 90%. In second place are benign tumors of the thyroid gland. They account for 5 to 8 percent of cases. Much less frequentlyThe patient is diagnosed with a malignant tumor of the thyroid gland. It is worth noting that any disease requires urgent treatment, especially when it comes to tumor formations.
Knot types
Not all nodes on the thyroid are the same. They are divided into types, which are determined depending on the nature of the occurrence of formations. Highlight:
- malignant tumors;
- follicular adenomas;
- cystic formations;
- diffuse goiters;
- conglomerate goiters;
- multinodular goiters;
- endemic goiters.
It is worth noting that not multiple formations, but a single node on the thyroid gland require particular attention from physicians. Is it dangerous? Some experts are convinced that a single formation has a greater predisposition to malignancy.
As a rule, one node indicates the presence of a cancerous tumor, adenoma, benign formation, colloid goiter or cyst with liquid content.
Diagnosis of nodes on ultrasound
In total, 4 types of formations on the thyroid gland are distinguished on ultrasound:
- Isoechoic node. Such a formation does not differ in density from the density of the gland itself.
- Inechogenic node. Such a formation has a strong blood circulation, and the vessels in it are dilated.
- Hypoechoic node. The formation is dense and filled with either fluid or dead cells. With this type, as a rule, a cyst or tumor is diagnosed.
- Colloid node. Consists of the same tissue as the thyroid gland. Enhanced blood supply.
Isoechoic nodule on ultrasound is usually light in color. With a heterogeneous consistency, dark areas may be visible. In this case, most likely, a diagnosis of cystic formation is established.
Hypoechoic nodules on the thyroid gland are dangerous? Their size reaches an average of three centimeters, which very often indicates a malignant process. If the tumor is indeed cancerous, then the node will not have clear boundaries, but it is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis based on the results of ultrasound.
Degrees of goiter development
Now goiter can be characterized very accurately. For this, there is even a special grid according to O. V. Nikolaev. It is worth noting that goiter is just diagnosed when there are nodes on the thyroid gland. What is dangerous education, indicated in the table.
| Degree | Signs of goiter |
| 0 degree | The thyroid gland is invisible, homogeneous and without formations |
| 1 degree | The thyroid gland is invisible, but it can be easily felt |
| 2 degree | Thyroid visible when swallowing |
| 3 degree | The gland grows and visually thickens the neck |
| 4 degree | The goiter becomes large, breaking the shape of the neck |
| 5 degree | The thyroid gland is growing so much that it begins to put pressure on nearby organs |
Why is a thyroid nodule dangerous?
Despite the fact that beforeit was believed that benign tumors on the thyroid gland eventually degenerate into malignant ones, this is absolutely not the case. Benign tumors are completely harmless and do not affect the quality of human life. Such a formation, as a rule, is removed only if the patient begins to experience discomfort.
A completely different conversation is being held if a patient has been diagnosed with a cancerous tumor. Such formations require immediate removal and further observation. It is worth noting that thyroid cancer is a very insidious disease that manifests itself only in the final stages, which is why it is so important to be constantly examined.
Symptomatics
A person, as a rule, does not feel the symptoms of goiter, which raises the question of whether the nodes on the thyroid gland are dangerous. The reasons for the appearance of formations are very different, but the signs most often coincide. As the mass grows, the patient's neck changes and begins to feel tight.
If the patient has a rapid heartbeat, a sharp weight loss with normal appetite and nervousness, then the endocrinologist can make a preliminary diagnosis - diffuse nodular goiter.
It is worth noting that thyroid follicular cysts usually do not give any symptoms and are practically harmless to human he alth.
Occurring complications
Everyone should closely monitor the condition of their thyroid gland. First you need to have information about the size of the nodes on the thyroid glanddangerous. Small benign formations should only be observed. In this case, the patient does not have to be operated on if he does not experience discomfort.
Sometimes cystic formations can start to fester and become inflamed. At such moments, a person experiences terrible pain in the neck, his temperature rises, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms appear.
If the nodes have grown to a huge size, then the patient begins to feel a feeling of pressure. Sometimes there is a violation of breathing.
Another dangerous complication is malignancy. Benign tumors in the thyroid gland do not regenerate, but sometimes a small knot with insufficient attention can lead to the development of cancer.
Measures for diagnosing formations
When a person is faced with a similar problem, he immediately has a question: "Nodes on the thyroid gland than dangerous?". Their treatment should be started only after a full examination, which is a whole range of procedures.
- The patient is offered an MRI.
- Computed tomography would also help.
- In some cases, radioisotope diagnostics are performed.
- If necessary, to confirm the benign nature of the formation, the patient is prescribed a biopsy.
- When making a diagnosis, it will be mandatory to take a blood test for thyroid hormones - T3, T4, TSH.
It is worth remembering that only a set of measures is able to accurately diagnose the patient andstart the proper treatment of the node.
Treatment of knots
It is not worth saying that only the attending physician prescribes the necessary therapy. It all depends on the nature of the occurrence of formations. Only drug therapy may be prescribed, and surgery may be required.
If the nodule is small, then often the endocrinologist offers only regular visits to the patient to monitor the development of education. And this recommendation must be strictly observed. Why is a small thyroid nodule dangerous? First of all, with its small size, it is almost impossible to determine the exact diagnosis. Most likely, this is a benign tumor or goiter, but there is also a risk of malignancy.
If the patient was diagnosed with "diffuse goiter", then the treatment will take place with the help of hormonal drugs. Usually they are taken for a long time (at least a year). During this time, the iron is completely restored.
Other diseases often require surgery. Remove the thyroid gland partially or completely. Complete removal is indicated for cancer or autoimmune disease.
Prognosis of diseases
If only hormone therapy was prescribed, then the prognosis is usually favorable. Modern drugs completely cope with thyroid dysfunction.
When carrying out the operation, it is too early to speak about the prognosis before the histological conclusion. If histology showed a benign tumor or cystic formation, then the prognosisfavorable. It is worth noting that cysts on the thyroid gland sometimes reappear and again have to be removed promptly.
If the histological conclusion showed a moderately malignant tumor without metastases, then the prognosis is 70-80% favorable. An unfavorable prognosis is made only for cancerous tumors in advanced stages. In such cases, the formation grows, affects neighboring organs, and metastases appear.
Preventive measures
So, what is the danger of a node on the thyroid gland, has already been discussed above. In order to prevent their occurrence, there are simple preventive measures.
Firstly, it is desirable to play sports. Great for swimming and yoga. Secondly, it is necessary to protect yourself as much as possible from an unfavorable psychological environment. It is no secret that all diseases appear from the nerves. Thirdly, it is recommended to use preparations containing iodine or iodized s alt.
The following foods provoke the development of thyroid diseases: stew, fast food, canned food, ketchup, alcoholic beverages, margarine and confectionery.
There are also a number of products that help fight various pathologies, for example, decoctions of wild rose and hawthorn, seeds, dried fruits, herbs, vegetables, fruits, lemons, green tea and nuts.
It is worth especially closely monitoring the condition of the thyroid gland for pregnant women, women duringlactation, children and adolescents. To protect yourself from illness, it is recommended to take drugs with a high content of iodine.
