Thyroid nodules are rounded (not necessarily flat) formations that occur in the tissues of the thyroid gland. If they are filled with water, then they are called "cysts".
Large knots on the thyroid gland lead to a feeling of constriction in the throat. People of a thin physique can see the formation revealed during a palpation examination on their own.
Thyroid nodules, according to statistics, are found in one in fifteen women, at the same time, this ratio in men is one in forty. Basically, formations on the tissues of the thyroid gland are diagnosed in patients over the age of 50 years. With age, these "malfunctions" in the body are detected more often.
Causes of occurrence
Among the reasons leading to such a pathology, the main one is the lack of iodine in food and water. Thyroid nodules are more common in areas where iodine deficiency has been proven. The decisive role belongs to heredity, when cells with increased sensitivity are transmitted. In this case, a goiter can develop in the form of a single large node or multiple small ones. Education onthyroid glands are hyperfunctioning, low-functioning, non-functioning.
Symptoms of the disease and anatomy of the thyroid gland
This gland is one of the main organs of the endocrine system, which is responsible for the production of hormones that are important for normal metabolic processes throughout the body. The thyroid gland consists of two lobes located on the sides of the trachea and connected by an isthmus.
Basically, the nodes that appear do not bother a person for a long time, not counting the slightest changes in well-being. Signs include:
- fatigue;
- increased sleepiness;
- excessive activity;
- irritability;
- mood instability;
- dramatic weight change;
- disturbances in the digestive tract, accompanied by constipation;
- dry skin;
- brittle and dry hair;
- muscle pain;
- feeling hot or cold in limbs.
Nodes in the thyroid gland, diagnostics
Without medical consultation, treatment of neoplasms is not carried out, so it is important to determine the cause and nature of the pathology. To clarify the clinical diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a number of laboratory examinations, such as ultrasound diagnostics and laboratory tests:
- blood test for TSH - thyroid hormones;
- blood and urine test;
- chest x-ray;
- gynecological examination;
- electrocardiogram.
An analysis of the thyroid gland for hormones allows you to decidean important issue in determining the nature of the neoplasm (benign or malignant).
The procedure is called "fine needle aspiration biopsy" and is a reliable diagnosis. It is performed under ultrasound control. Ultrasound reveals additional abnormalities such as adenomatous nodules in the thyroid gland.
According to certain indications, a study called "scintigraphy" is performed. In this case, radioactive substances are used that show a characteristic cellular reaction when they enter the tissues of the organ. The study allows you to distinguish between a "cold" or "hot" node.
