How common are thyroid nodules?
Had ultrasound a few months ago on thyroids. Drs never said anything so I assumed things were good, but I have been feeling like crap for awhile so when I asked dr to test my blood for thyroid problems she mentioned I have more than normal amount of nodules on thyroids. Noone told me. Was this not serious enough to worry about? I really do not know.
User Comments
- Thyroid nodules are not common. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is toxic diffuse goiter. That means a uniformly inflamed, toxic thyroid with no nodules. Thyroid nodules are far less common. You have to get the nodules tested to make sure they are not cancerous. Thyroid cancer is even more rare than non-cancerous nodules, but you still have to get tested.
- Thyroid nodules are pretty common, especially in women. When you have lots of nodules, the call it "multinodular." When your thyroid is swollen, they call it a goiter. I had a multinodular goiter and I had my thyroid removed last month because of it.
If you have any large nodules, or one that is significantly larger than the others, they shoudl be biopsied to rule out thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is very rare, but is more likely in a nodule than in a smooth thyroid. A biopsy is really easy and can put your mind at ease.
- Blood test tomorrow. Any thyroid info especially on nodules would be great!
- I have a big nodules on my thyroid. I was diagnosed 8 years ago with what is called "multinodular goiter". I have to say your doctors are being idiots. Anytime a nodule is first discovered it should be biopsied and all thyroid levels tested. Nodules are extremly common in the population, especially in women and having many nodules is better than only one. its usually not a cause for alarm but should still be monitored.
there is no "normal" number of nodules.visit the website thyroid.about.com and join the thyroid support groups on yahoo. when you do your labs insist that you have all your levels checked including your t3, t4, free t3 and free t4 in addition to the TSH. Some doc treat TSH like some magic test. it doesn't show the whole picture. Also make sure you get a copy of your actual labs and don't let anyone treat you based strictly on lab numbers. the "normal" ragne is just an average. you can have "normal" results but still have thyroid problems.
- thyroid.about.com thyroid patient