The difference between thyroid nodules and nodular goiter

Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
Updated on January 25, 2025
00:00
00:00

Thyroid nodules are the clinical manifestations of nodular goiter, and nodular goiter is the cause of thyroid nodules. Nodular goiter generally occurs in iodine-deficient areas, forming these partial or multiple thyroid nodules. Thyroid nodules are the clinical manifestations of nodular goiter; the nodules in the thyroid can be single or multiple and can cause abnormal thyroid function, although thyroid function can also be normal in the early stages. Therefore, when performing an ultrasound, if thyroid nodules are discovered, it is necessary to further assess thyroid function and dynamically track changes in the size of the thyroid nodules to determine whether it is nodular goiter.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
48sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Jian Zhuo
Nephrology and Endocrinology
1min 12sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
36sec home-news-image

How to deal with calcification of thyroid nodules?

Thyroid nodules calcification can be divided into coarse calcification and microcalcification. Coarse calcification is generally benign, and benign conditions do not require special treatment. When a large nodule causes compression symptoms and affects our appearance, surgical removal can be considered. Microcalcification is mostly likely to become malignant, therefore, cytological biopsy of the thyroid should be performed. If it is benign, we can continue to observe it. If it is malignant, we can treat it with surgery, comprehensive therapy, or radiotherapy.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Jian Zhuo
Nephrology and Endocrinology
1min 38sec home-news-image

Probability of thyroid nodules becoming cancerous

The malignant manifestation of thyroid nodules is thyroid cancer. Thus, thyroid nodules are divided into two major categories: benign and malignant. Benign nodules generally make up the vast majority, with malignancies accounting for less than 5%. Malignant thyroid nodules are cancerous. Some benign thyroid nodules may also become malignant over time. Generally, small nodules do not show obvious clinical symptoms during the cancerous transformation, but their nature changes. When a nodule compresses surrounding tissues and causes certain symptoms, such as hoarseness, tracheal compression, and difficulty swallowing, it often indicates that the tumor is in the middle or late stage. Overall, the chances of benign nodules becoming cancerous are very small. The malignancy rate of benign nodular goiter is about 5%, and the possibility of adenomas turning malignant is around 10%. As the diameter increases, the possibility of adenomas becoming malignant gradually increases. There are several high-risk factors for the malignant transformation of thyroid nodules: for instance, having a history of radiation exposure to the head and neck area during childhood or adolescence, patients who are younger than 14 or older than 70; the rate of malignant transformation of thyroid nodules significantly increases; and the rate of malignant transformation in male nodules is significantly higher than in females. Also, patients whose nodules significantly increase in size in a short period during regular check-ups are also considered high-risk for malignancy.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Jian Zhuo
Nephrology and Endocrinology
1min 16sec home-news-image

Are thyroid nodules serious?

The severity of thyroid nodules needs to be assessed based on their nature, size, function, and location. Generally, they can be classified into benign and malignant, with malignant nodules being thyroid cancer, which requires timely treatment. Surgical treatment is the main method for treating thyroid cancer, whereas most benign nodules do not require special handling. Regarding the size of the thyroid nodules, if the nodules are too large and compress surrounding tissues such as the trachea, esophagus, and nerves, surgical treatment is recommended. For common benign nodules, regular observation is sufficient. Functionally, some thyroid nodules may affect thyroid function, such as in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which can present with diffuse multiple nodules, leading to either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. In such cases, appropriate medication treatment is needed. From a positional perspective, ectopic growth of thyroid nodules, if located at areas like the base of the ear, pharynx, neck, esophagus, or thoracic cavity, is a rare congenital developmental anomaly. If such a nodule significantly enlarges and compresses surrounding tissues, surgical treatment is advised.