How to treat thyroid nodules calcification.

Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
Updated on March 10, 2025
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The treatment of thyroid nodule calcification in clinical practice is based on the size of the calcification lesions. Because large calcified thyroid nodules have a very small possibility of malignancy, the routine clinical approach is to continue observation and perform cytological examination through thyroid fine-needle aspiration. For small calcified thyroid nodules, which have a higher likelihood of malignancy, active surgical treatment is usually adopted. During surgery, the next steps of the treatment plan are determined based on the pathological findings.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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Where to do acupuncture for thyroid nodules?

Thyroid nodules do not require acupuncture treatment. The vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign, with only a small portion, about 5%, being malignant. We generally determine the treatment approach based on whether the nodule is benign or malignant. For benign nodules, we typically follow up with observation, while malignant nodules require surgical treatment and oral medication, or Iodine-131 radiotherapy. The primary evaluation for distinguishing between benign and malignant nodules relies on the results of color Doppler ultrasound and the pathology results from thyroid fine-needle aspiration.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Thyroid nodule calcification meaning

In our thyroid ultrasound, terms like thyroid nodule calcification are often seen. Thyroid nodule calcification is a form of self-healing. It can be divided into large and small nodule calcifications. Generally, large nodule calcifications have a very low proportion of malignancy. The possibility of malignancy in smaller calcifications is relatively higher. When we see a report indicating thyroid nodule calcification, there is no need to panic. We can consult specialists such as thyroid surgeons, who will tell you how to distinguish between benign and malignant conditions. I recommend performing thyroid cytological puncture, which, through pathological examination, can determine whether the thyroid nodule calcification is benign or malignant.

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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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Is thyroid nodule calcification scary?

Thyroid nodule calcification is a common disease of the human thyroid gland. When seeing thyroid nodule calcification, we should not be afraid. Thyroid nodule calcification refers to the dense proliferation of thyroid cells, which, during an ultrasound examination, appears as strong spots, specks, or rings on the thyroid. Thyroid nodule calcification can be divided into coarse calcification and microcalcification. Generally, coarse calcification is benign, and we can continue to observe it. If it is microcalcification, we can conduct a pathological examination. If it is malignant, surgical treatment can be performed; if it is benign, we can continue to observe. Therefore, thyroid nodule calcification is not something to be afraid of.

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Written by Hu Jian Zhuo
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Differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid nodules

Generally speaking, whether benign or malignant, thyroid nodules show blood flow signals. For benign nodules, blood flow signals can be seen around the perimeter, with internal blood flow no different from normal thyroid tissue. In such cases, the nodules are typically diagnosed as thyroid adenomas, and they usually appear round or oval in shape with a uniformly echoic internal substance. If liquefaction occurs, mixed or cystic changes can appear; the tumor’s capsule tends to be intact, with clear boundaries. If a nodule has abundant internal blood flow with disorganized vessel distribution and high flow velocity, showing a high-resistance flow pattern, and has relatively less peripheral blood flow, it generally needs to be assessed for thyroid cancer. These nodules are often hypoechoic with irregular shapes, and the ratio of their longitudinal to transverse diameter is greater than 1. They have unclear boundaries, lack a capsule, and have no halo. In typical cases, microcalcifications like sand grains can also be observed. From the above analysis, we can see that the blood flow signals in thyroid nodules are complicated and reflect the extent of the nodular pathology. These signals can help in differentiating benign from malignant nodules, but when a rich and disorganized blood flow is observed, the nodule is more likely to be malignant.