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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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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What should I do if my thyroid cyst is painful?

Thyroid cysts generally do not have any clinical symptoms, but if untreated and continuously growing, there is a risk of hemorrhage within the cyst. Therefore, when a thyroid cyst becomes painful, it may be due to excessive internal pressure and bleeding inside the cyst, causing pain. At this point, it is necessary to go to the hospital emergency department for a comprehensive thyroid ultrasound to observe the size of the cyst, and to provide emergency surgical treatment or local puncture to aspirate the blood and relieve pain.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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Will thyroid cysts recur after surgery?

Thyroid cysts refer to fluid-filled sac-like structures that occur in the thyroid gland. Typically, thyroid cysts do not exhibit any clinical symptoms. However, if they continue to grow, there is a risk of bleeding within the cyst. Therefore, when the cyst is larger than 3 centimeters, surgical treatment is often recommended. Generally, surgical removal is quite safe and reliable, and the prognosis after surgery is usually good with a low risk of recurrence. However, there is still a chance of recurrence, and if it recurs, surgery can be conducted again. Hence, thyroid cysts are relatively mild and benign lesions. If the cyst is smaller than 3 centimeters, alcohol sclerotherapy can also be performed.

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Written by Yang Li
Endocrinology
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Is a grade two thyroid cyst serious?

Thyroid cysts at Grade 2A are generally not very serious. If we consider supporting points for severity in the thyroid, finding one example is considered as first-level evidence, while finding one plus another one counts as second-level evidence. Generally speaking, once it reaches Grade 4A and above, attention needs to be paid as it suggests a malignancy, indicating a higher possibility of malignancy. If it’s below 4A, at Grade 3 and below, it typically suggests a greater likelihood of benign lesions. In such cases, it is recommended to follow up dynamically and definitely conduct an ultrasonic contrast examination.

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Written by Zhang Li
Endocrinology
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What causes thyroid cysts?

Thyroid cysts currently have no definitive cause identified. Previously, most believed they were possibly related to iodine deficiency, as such deficiency leads to thyroid hyperplasia and an increase in thyroid cysts. However, it was later discovered that in some high-iodine coastal areas, the incidence of thyroid cysts remains high. This suggests that variations in iodine levels, such as switches from low to high iodine or from high to low iodine, can also lead to the occurrence of thyroid cysts. Additionally, it is currently believed that there might be some connection with radiation and the use of mobile phones and computers, but there is no definitive conclusion. Regardless, once thyroid cysts occur, it is important on one hand to eliminate the possibility of malignant features, ruling out thyroid cancer, and on the other hand to ensure thorough thyroid function tests to understand if there are any abnormalities in function and whether treatment is needed.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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How to treat thyroid cysts?

Thyroid cysts refer to fluid-filled sacs found in the thyroid, generally round in shape and varying in size, with no significant clinical symptoms. They can appear as a single nodule or multiple nodules. Typically, when thyroid cysts are detected, high-resolution thyroid ultrasonography can be used to observe their ultrasonographic appearance. Thyroid cysts are generally considered benign thyroid nodules and usually do not require treatment. Regular follow-up with thyroid ultrasound is sufficient. If the thyroid cyst is too large and causes compressive symptoms, such as difficulty in breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, etc., surgical removal can be considered.