Should thyroid nodules be punctured?

Written by Hu Jian Zhuo
Nephrology and Endocrinology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Thyroid fine needle aspiration is a reliable and highly valuable diagnostic method we use to distinguish between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Generally, thyroid nodules with a diameter >1 cm are considered for fine needle aspiration. Fine needle aspiration is not routinely considered in the following situations: (1) The nodule has already been evaluated with a nuclear scan indicating a hyperfunctioning adenoma due to hyperthyroidism; (2) The nodule is purely cystic; (3) The nodule is highly suspected to be highly malignant. In cases where the nodules grow rapidly and significantly enlarge, causing compression of the surrounding trachea and symptoms such as breathing difficulties and hoarseness, these thyroid nodules requiring surgery do not necessitate further fine needle aspiration treatment.

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Written by Hu Jian Zhuo
Nephrology and Endocrinology
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Do thyroid nodules require surgery?

Whether thyroid nodules require treatment generally depends on medical guidelines. Thyroid nodules larger than 1cm with malignant features typically require biopsy. The decision for a biopsy should be made by a professional ultrasonographer after examination. Therefore, upon detecting a nodule, it is crucial to visit a specialized hospital for further ultrasound examination. If the nodule is malignant, we recommend surgical removal. If it is benign, close observation is advisable. However, treatment is necessary under the following conditions: First, if the nodule is too large and compresses other organs, causing breathing difficulties, localized swelling, pain, or other discomforts. Second, if the nodule grows quickly, increasing in volume by more than 50% within six months, the possibility of malignancy should be considered and treatment is needed. Third, if the thyroid nodule is located behind the sternum, which is called an ectopic thyroid nodule, surgical treatment is necessary. If the thyroid nodule is large enough to affect the aesthetics of the neck, surgical treatment may also be considered.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Diet for thyroid nodules calcification

Patients with calcified thyroid nodules need to be cautious about their diet. Firstly, they should avoid irritating foods such as chili peppers, ginger, garlic, strong tea, coffee, and alcohol. Secondly, they should not consume foods high in fiber as these can cause diarrhea. Instead, they should eat foods rich in carbohydrates and fats, which provide energy and reduce the consumption of proteins in the body, as proteins play an important role in physiological regulation. Additionally, these patients should consume foods rich in vitamins and minerals to aid physiological metabolism. Lastly, it is beneficial for patients with calcified thyroid nodules to include animal organs in their diet.

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Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
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Post-thyroidectomy complications

In clinical practice, for large thyroid nodules that cause compressive symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, breathlessness, and hoarseness, thyroid nodule excision surgery can be performed. However, this surgery can have sequelae. First, if the excised thyroid tissue is too large, it can easily lead to reduced thyroid function, requiring lifelong supplementation with thyroid hormones for treatment. Secondly, due to the sensitive location of the thyroid gland, which is surrounded by various glands and nerves, injury during surgery can lead to complications such as seizures and hoarseness, which are considered post-surgical sequelae.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Can thyroid nodules be treated?

It depends on the situation. For some patients, we can evaluate whether thyroid nodules are accompanied by changes in thyroid function. If there is an overactive thyroid, antithyroid treatment is necessary. If there is underactive thyroid function, appropriate thyroid hormone supplementation is needed, and some patients' nodules can shrink. Additionally, for some thyroid nodules, if there are no accompanying changes in thyroid function, and the nodules are assessed as benign through ultrasound and other evaluations, no special treatment is generally needed. It is recommended to monitor thyroid ultrasound and function every six months to a year. Furthermore, if some thyroid nodules grow rapidly or there is a potential for cancerous changes, or if there are significant compressive symptoms, we can also perform a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid cells, or surgical treatment. Therefore, whether thyroid nodules can be treated also depends on the situation.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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The difference between thyroid enlargement and thyroid nodules

Thyroid enlargement generally refers to simple thyroid enlargement, which is typically diffuse thyroid enlargement, mainly caused by iodine deficiency, commonly seen in endemic goiter and physiological thyroid enlargement. Thyroid nodules, on the other hand, are nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid caused by certain physical and chemical factors. Thyroid nodules can manifest as benign hyperplasia or malignant hyperplasia. Therefore, the risks associated with thyroid nodules are relatively greater than those of thyroid enlargement. However, some patients with thyroid enlargement, as the disease progresses, can develop nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid. These are the differences between the two.