Does thyroid cyst affect pregnancy?

Written by Zhang Li
Endocrinology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Thyroid cysts generally do not affect pregnancy because they are merely morphological changes, meaning enlarged cystic nodules found in the thyroid. These nodules are typically fluid-filled and often non-functional, so they do not significantly impact pregnancy. However, since the thyroid can develop such cystic nodules or cysts, there might also be some functional manifestations. In other words, there could be both cysts and other thyroid function issues concurrently, which might affect pregnancy. Therefore, when thyroid issues are detected, it is necessary to undergo thyroid function tests before planning a pregnancy to determine whether it is safe to conceive and if there will be any impact on pregnancy.

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Endocrinology
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Where to massage for a thyroid cyst?

Thyroid cysts refer to fluid-filled sacs that appear in the thyroid gland. The current mechanisms of their development are not very clear and may be related to iodine metabolism, sex hormones, regional factors, dietary habits, and family history. Therefore, massaging will not provide any relief for thyroid cysts. Moreover, when the cysts are relatively large, massaging the affected area may induce the risk of bleeding from the thyroid cysts. Hence, if you have thyroid cysts, do not blindly resort to massage, as it not only lacks benefits but could also potentially lead to the rupture or enlargement of the cysts.

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Symptoms of thyroid cysts

Regarding the symptoms of thyroid cysts, typically, patients with thyroid cysts do not experience any discomfort in the early stages. Often, a neck mass is incidentally discovered during a physical examination, and usually, there are no systemic clinical symptoms. Some patients may experience slight pain. Of course, if the cyst is large or there is bleeding within the cyst, it may lead to symptoms of compression, such as pain, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, or hoarseness. Additionally, some thyroid cysts can affect thyroid function. For instance, if there is hyperthyroidism, symptoms may include heat intolerance, excessive sweating, and weight loss. Conversely, in long-term cases, patients may experience symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as cold intolerance, fatigue, constipation, and poor appetite.

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Are thyroid cysts dangerous?

Generally speaking, thyroid cysts are benign lesions and are not dangerous. First, let's understand what thyroid cysts are. A thyroid cyst is a fluid-containing cystic formation found in the thyroid gland. Typically, the lump is round, smooth, painless, or may cause slight pain, and can move up and down with swallowing. Most cysts are solitary nodules, and it is less common to find multiple nodules. Additionally, if the cyst is large or if there is bleeding within the cyst, it can cause symptoms of compression such as pain, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, and hoarseness. We know that about 10% of cystic nodules are malignant, hence, it is important to understand the nature of a thyroid cyst. If it is malignant, surgical removal is necessary. Furthermore, if the nodular cyst is large and causes compression symptoms, surgery is also required. However, most are benign lesions, and thyroid function is within the normal range, so no special treatment is needed, just follow-up observation. Therefore, whether thyroid cysts are dangerous depends on the circumstances.

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Written by Chen Xie
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How should thyroid cysts be treated?

Thyroid cysts refer to fluid-containing sac-like formations found in the thyroid gland. For their treatment, thyroid cysts are a type of benign tumor of the thyroid. In imaging studies, if the nodule's diameter is less than one centimeter, it usually presents no clinical symptoms or signs. Regular follow-ups with thyroid ultrasonography and thyroid function tests are advised. If there is no trend of enlargement, continued observation without surgical intervention can be appropriate. However, if the nodule's diameter is greater than one centimeter, or if it is located on the surface of the thyroid, the local skin may show a protrusion or bulge, and the cyst may continue to grow, pressing on the trachea or even the esophagus, causing symptoms such as chest tightness, difficulty breathing, a feeling of swallowing, and obstruction. It is important to seek medical attention in a timely manner, undergo a fine needle aspiration biopsy if necessary, and surgical treatment may be required if needed.

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Do thyroid cysts require surgery?

Thyroid cysts are benign nodules that generally only require follow-up observation. It is recommended to have a re-examination every 6 to 12 months, including thyroid ultrasound and thyroid function tests, to monitor the status of the cyst. If the cyst is large and affects breathing or even swallowing, cyst aspiration drainage can be performed, and nowadays radiofrequency ablation surgery is also an option. However, if the thyroid cyst shows signs of malignancy, a puncture for cytological examination is necessary to determine its benign or malignant nature. If it is malignant, thyroid cancer removal surgery is needed. Therefore, not all thyroid cysts require surgical treatment; it depends on the specific situation.