Do thyroid cysts require surgery?

Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
Updated on January 11, 2025
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Thyroid cysts are generally benign lesions and are typically classified as below 3B level in thyroid ultrasound grading, which means they are categorized as class 1, 2, or even 3. The decision to perform surgery depends primarily on the size of the thyroid cyst. If the cyst is large enough to cause compressive symptoms, then surgical treatment is necessary at that time. Secondly, if the development of the thyroid cyst is rapid, and fine needle aspiration of the thyroid reveals malignant changes, then surgery is also required. For routine thyroid examinations, if the thyroid cyst is relatively small, classified at a lower level, and there are no associated thyroid functional abnormalities, regular follow-up is generally sufficient without the need for surgical intervention.

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Can people with thyroid cysts eat seaweed?

Thyroid cysts generally do not show any symptoms clinically and are mostly benign. They are usually solitary, but occasionally multiple cysts could be present. Currently, the exact cause of thyroid cysts is not completely understood. Some scholars believe that the formation of thyroid cysts is related to iodine deficiency. Others suggest that in areas with a high incidence of thyroid cysts, the iodine content is also relatively high, indicating that both exceptionally low or high levels of iodine could potentially be a cause of thyroid cysts. Seaweed is a food high in iodine. Eating seaweed occasionally should not have a significant impact, but consuming seaweed daily could lead to excessive iodine levels in the body, which is not advisable during periods of thyroid cyst affliction.

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Written by Luo Han Ying
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The difference between thyroid cysts and nodules

Thyroid cysts are a benign change in the thyroid, and are generally classified as first or second level in clinical analysis. Thyroid nodules may be solid or may have mixed echogenicity. The biggest difference between a thyroid nodule and a cyst is their composition: cysts usually contain fluid, whereas nodules may contain other substances. Secondly, the vast majority of cysts are benign, classified as sub-level. Nodules, however, may potentially be malignant, and are classified as third, fourth, or even fifth level. If it is a thyroid cyst, there is no need for excessive worry. If it is a thyroid nodule, it is crucial to complete an ultrasound classification and then schedule regular follow-up exams.

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Can you get pregnant with a thyroid cyst?

Thyroid cysts refer to sac-like formations within the thyroid gland that contain fluid, typically benign with rare cases of malignancy. The fluid inside these cysts, also known as blisters, has no secretory function and does not affect thyroid function, making it possible to become pregnant with a thyroid cyst. However, it is important to note that during pregnancy, if the cyst rapidly enlarges or if there is localized pain, it could be due to bleeding inside the cyst which requires urgent treatment. Aspiration of the cyst fluid can be done through fine needle aspiration to relieve pressure, and ethanol ablation can be used to close the cyst cavity. This minor surgery is generally tolerable and does not affect pregnancy.

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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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Does thyroid cyst affect pregnancy?

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.