Nodules in the thyroid gland are rounded (optionally even) formations that occur in the tissues of the thyroid gland. If they are filled with water, then they are called "cysts."
Large nodes on the thyroid gland lead to a feeling of constriction of the throat. People of lean physique can be seen on their own on a palpation examination.
Nodules in the thyroid gland, according to statistics, are found in one of the fifteen women, at the same time, this ratio in men is one in forty. Basically, formations on the thyroid tissue 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 a lack of iodine in food and water. Nodules in the thyroid gland 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, goiter may develop in the form of a single large node or multiple small ones. Formations on the thyroid gland are hyperfunctioning, dysfunctional, nonfunctioning.
Symptoms of the disease and anatomy of the thyroid gland
This gland is one of the most important 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 have appeared do not bother a person for a long time, apart from the slightest changes in their well-being. Signs include:
- fatigue;
- increased drowsiness;
- excessive activity;
- irritability;
- mood instability;
- sudden change in weight;
- violations in the digestive tract, accompanied by constipation;
- dry skin
- brittle and dry hair;
- muscle pain
- feeling of heat or cold in the limbs.
Nodules in the thyroid gland, diagnosis
Without medical advice, 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 tests;
- chest x-ray ;
- examination by a gynecologist;
- electrocardiogram.
Analysis of the thyroid gland for hormones allows you to solve the important issue of determining the nature of the tumor (benign or malignant).
The procedure is called “fine-needle aspiration biopsy” and is a reliable diagnosis. It is performed under ultrasound control. Ultrasound examines additional disorders, such as adenomatous nodes 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 an organ enters the tissues. The study allows you to distinguish between a "cold" or "hot" node.