Thyroid Nodules

Why choose us for thyroid nodule care?

Nodules are growths in the thyroid glands. They are often harmless, but in some people, they can become cancerous.

Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health MD Anderson Cancer Center, has highly skilled surgeons with decades of experience caring for adults and children with thyroid nodules. We provide thorough evaluations to help patients receive timely, personalized care.

Your thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, which produces hormones that regulate organ functioning.

Read more about our:

• Endocrine tumor program
• Head and neck cancer program

What you need to know about thyroid nodules

• Thyroid nodules are common. Some people have nodules and don’t even know it. Only a small number of people have nodules that become thyroid cancer.
• Adults face a higher risk of thyroid nodules if there is a family history of thyroid cancer or nodules. Regardless of family history, the risk of nodules increases with age.
• Thyroid nodules in children often occur due to genetic conditions, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia.
• Thyroid nodules rarely require treatment. But most people need ongoing monitoring to check for changes that may lead to a cancer diagnosis.

How to talk to your doctor about thyroid nodules

We explain how thyroid nodules can affect your health, including cancer risk, and the services that help us monitor it. Together, we make a plan that reflects your medical needs and personal preferences.

You might want to ask us about:

• Evaluations and testing, and how often you need it
• Nodule details, including their number, location and size
• Treatment options for nodules that are causing symptoms or likely to become cancerous
• Genetic testing for people with a family history or hereditary conditions

Living with thyroid nodules may require care decisions that don’t always come easily. You can bring family members or trusted friends with you to appointments for support.

Types

There are many types of thyroid nodules, including:

• Colloid nodules: Normal thyroid tissue that grows out of control
• Multinodular goiter: Enlarged thyroid that causes multiple nodules
• Thyroid cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that form in thyroid gland tissue
• Toxic thyroid nodules: Growths that cause the thyroid to produce too much hormone

Symptoms

Most people with thyroid nodules do not experience symptoms. Those who do may have:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Enlarged thyroid (goiter)
• Pain (this symptom is rare)
• Small lump in your neck you can see or feel
• Unexplained weight loss

Diagnosis

Thyroid nodules often appear in imaging scans for other medical conditions. Additional tests help us learn more about the nodules and plan the next steps of your care.

Additional tests may include:

• Genomic testing  We offer innovative genetic testing that helps you and your care team decide if surgery is the best choice for certain thyroid nodules
• Hormone testing to determine whether the nodule is causing an increase in thyroid hormone levels
• Imaging scans, which include ultrasound to determine the size, number and location of the nodules
• Biopsy, a procedure to take a sample of suspicious nodules so we can confirm or rule out thyroid cancer

You receive more of these services, including biopsies, from our endocrinologists, so you receive accurate testing and reliable results.

Treatment

For most people, watchful waiting is all that’s necessary. You receive regular imaging and evaluations to make sure the nodule isn’t growing.

You may need treatment if the nodules:

• Are causing symptoms
• Become large enough to affect your appearance or how nearby organs function

Treatment may include:

• Surgery: We remove nodules that are causing problems while preserving nearby healthy tissue.
• Radioactive iodine: We use medication containing small amounts of a radioactive substance to quiet symptoms in people with hyperthyroidism.

Research and clinical trials

Cancer research at Mays Cancer Center gives eligible patients access to new care methods through clinical trials. Our interests span all aspects of cancer care, including prevention.

Get more information about:

• Cancer clinical trials and research for adults
• Pediatric cancer clinical trials