Thyroid Nodules | What is it and How to Get Diagnosed | Singapore General Hospital
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Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid Nodules - What it is

What are thyroid nodules?

Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid lumps (cysts) that form on the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck. 

Multiple nodules found within the same thyroid gland have a different medical term  multinodular goitre

Thyroid nodules may not give rise to symptoms, which is why many of them are found incidentally during medical consultations, routine check-ups or investigations (e.g., ultrasounds, CT scans or PET scans) for other health problems.

Are thyroid nodules cancerous? 

Most nodules are either simple “overgrowths” of normal thyroid tissue, fluid-containing cysts or slowly growing benign tumours called adenomas. A small percentage of these nodules can be cancerous. The risk of thyroid cancer is higher if you had a history of radiation to the head and neck for other medical conditions, or if you have a family history of thyroid cancer. 

While the detection of these lumps are not urgent causes for concern, it is still crucial for patients to observe and note any changes in the lumps' properties, shape and size, as rapid growth in a nodule could suggest cancer.  

Image showing position of thyroid gland in neck among other organs - SingHealth
Image showing position of thyroid gland in neck among other organs

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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