Symptoms & Signs
Most thyroid nodules produce no symptoms.
Large nodules can press against other structures in the neck. Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Goiter
- Hoarseness or changing voice
- Pain in the neck
Nodules that produce thyroid hormones will cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including:
- Bounding pulse
- Clammy skin
- Increased appetite
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Skin blushing or flushing
- Weight loss
Thyroid nodules are sometimes found in people who have Hashimoto’s disease. Hashimoto’s disease may cause hypothyroidism, with symptoms such as:
- Dry skin
- Facial swelling
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Intolerance to cold
- Unintentional weight gain
Diagnosis & Tests
Very often, nodules produce no symptoms. Doctors will find thyroid nodules only during a routine physical exam or imaging tests that are done for another reason. However, thyroid nodules that are big enough to feel during a physical exam occur in a few people.
If the doctor finds a nodule or you have symptoms of a nodule, the following tests may be done:
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy
- Thyroid scan
- Thyroid ultrasound
- TSH level
-
Thyroid nodule: Overview, Causes
-
Thyroid nodule: Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
-
Thyroid nodule: Treatment
Review Date : 4/29/2009
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Deborah Wexler, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Endocrinologist, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
