Thyroid Nodules: When & How to Get Tested

Thyroid nodules are small lumps that form within your thyroid gland, affecting up to 65% of adults by age 60. While most nodules are harmless, proper testing helps determine if they require treatment or monitoring.

Understanding Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are extremely common growths that develop within your thyroid gland. These small lumps can be solid or filled with fluid, and they range in size from barely detectable to large enough to feel or see.

Most thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous) and don’t cause symptoms. However, some nodules can produce excess thyroid hormone, leading to hyperthyroidism. A small percentage – about 5% – may be cancerous, which is why proper evaluation is important.

Nodules are more common in women than men and become increasingly frequent with age. They can develop due to iodine deficiency, genetic factors, or previous radiation exposure to the neck area.

The good news is that even when nodules are present, most people can manage them effectively with proper monitoring and treatment when necessary.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Visible lump or swelling in the neck
• Feeling of fullness or pressure in the throat
• Difficulty swallowing (especially large foods)
• Hoarse voice or voice changes
• Neck pain that may extend to the ears
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Unexplained weight loss
• Excessive sweating or heat intolerance

Recommended Tests

Thyroid nodule evaluation typically starts with blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels. A TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test is usually the first step, often combined with free T4 and T3 tests.

If blood tests suggest nodules might be affecting your thyroid function, or if you can feel a lump, your doctor will likely recommend a thyroid ultrasound. This imaging test can determine the size, number, and characteristics of any nodules present.

For nodules larger than 1 cm or those with suspicious features on ultrasound, a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy may be recommended. This procedure uses a thin needle to collect cells from the nodule for microscopic examination.

Where to Get Tested

Several reliable testing services offer convenient thyroid testing to help evaluate nodules. These services provide the initial blood work that’s often the first step in thyroid nodule assessment.

For more comprehensive evaluation including ultrasound and potential biopsy, you’ll need to work with your healthcare provider or a specialist.

Understanding Your Results

Normal TSH levels typically range from 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L, though optimal ranges may vary. If your TSH is low with high T3 or T4 levels, it might indicate that nodules are producing excess hormone.

Elevated TSH with low thyroid hormone levels could suggest your thyroid isn’t working efficiently, possibly due to nodule interference with normal gland function.

Ultrasound results will describe nodule characteristics like size, composition (solid or cystic), and blood flow patterns. Your healthcare provider will use these details along with your blood work to determine if further evaluation is needed.

Remember that most thyroid nodules require only monitoring over time. Your healthcare provider will create a personalized plan based on your specific results and risk factors.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.