Finding Thyroid Nodules

Imaging technology helps doctors get a detailed look at the thyroid gland

Your thyroid gland, located at the base of your neck, is small. So the idea that something that size could have lumps on it is, to say the least, unnerving.

“Patients get understandably anxious when they hear they have lumps on their thyroid gland, which are called nodules,” explains endocrinologist Priti Nath, MD, of St. Joseph's/Candler Physician Network – Endocrinology. “But I quickly let them know that thyroid nodules are very common. Somewhere between 30 to 50 percent of the U.S. population have a nodule.

The number of nodules that are cancerous is much smaller—around five or six percent.

“Having nodules doesn’t mean that they are life-threatening, or will even affect your life,” Dr. Nath says. “Many patients don’t know they are there.”

Benign Buildups

Most thyroid nodules are benign, or non-cancerous. Some occur when there is a buildup of thyroid cells; others are caused by cysts that are filled with fluid. Many do not cause symptoms until they grow to a large size.

“Symptoms vary for different people,” Dr. Nath says. “Some may have pain or difficulty swallowing. Others could have swelling in their neck that they can see and feel, and yet don’t cause pain.”

In some cases, nodules can affect the hormones produced by the gland, causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, or an overactive gland. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include nervousness, irritability, abnormal sweating and thinning skin and hair.

Ultrasound Solution

If the nodules are there—even if they are really small—Dr. Nath can find them with ultrasound technology. This is a painless imaging procedure in which sound waves create images of inner structures and tissues.

“Ultrasound is the best tool to evaluate thyroid nodules,” Dr. Nath says. “Excellent, high-resolution ultrasound can detect nodules that are only five millimeters.”

Dr. Nath will only proceed with ultrasound if the patient has an abnormal medical exam or if they have a history of nodules.

“I like getting my own pictures and sharing them with patients if they would like to see,” she says. “If I find features that make a nodule a higher risk for malignancy, I will explain that to the patient, and we can have that conversation about what to do next.”

Often, Dr. Nath will have patients follow up in a year for another ultrasound. If there is no growth or changed characteristics of the nodules, she may allow the patient to wait two years for the next follow-up.

“Sometimes the best treatment is simply watchful waiting,” Dr. Nath says. “The ultrasound can tell us so much each time, so we can stay on top of it.”

Endocrinology Services

Along with thyroid disorders, Dr. Nath and Dr. Carolyn Nelson, her colleague at St. Joseph's/Candler Physician Network – Endocrinology, treat many other conditions including:

• Diabetes and insulin pump management
• Pituitary disorders
• Adrenal disorders
• Hypogonadism
• Osteoporosis and other disorders of mineral metabolism
• Lipid disorders

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 912-819-3944.