Get Personalized Care for Thyroid Nodules

A thyroid nodule (or thyroid node) is a growth or bump on your thyroid gland — a small gland at the base of your neck, below your Adam’s apple. Nodules are common, and they’re usually noncancerous — thyroid nodes are rarely thyroid cancer. 

We use leading-edge ultrasound imaging, genetic testing and minimally invasive approaches to examine nodules and develop a personalized treatment plan. Our ear, nose and throat (ENT) program is among the most comprehensive programs in the country, offering the latest methods for finding and treating thyroid nodules. You receive care from a trusted team. 

What Are Thyroid Nodules Symptoms? 

Most people don’t have symptoms. Thyroid nodules are most often found during a regular checkup or an imaging exam for another condition.  

But, a very enlarged thyroid nodule may: 

• Affect swallowing or breathing 
• Be visible on your neck 
• Cause neck pain or voice changes 

Your thyroid produces hormones that control functions like body temperature, metabolism, mood and heart rate. Nodes on the thyroid may cause the gland to overproduce or underproduce hormones. 

Overproduction of thyroid hormones, called hyperthyroidism, can cause: 

• Difficulty sleeping 
• Fast heartbeat 
• Increased appetite 
• Shakiness or nervousness 
• Weight loss 

Underproduction of thyroid hormones, called hypothyroidism, can cause: 

• Constipation 
• Depression 
• Dry skin and hair 
• Tiredness 
• Weight gain 

If you notice any thyroid symptoms, see your doctor. 

Thyroid Nodules Treatment 

For noncancerous thyroid nodules, treatment may include: 

• Regular thyroid function testing to make sure there are no changes 
• Thyroid hormone therapy if you have hypothyroidism 

Your doctor may recommend surgery if the thyroid nodule is very large and makes it difficult to breathe or swallow.  

If the nodule is causing hyperthyroidism, your treatment may include anti-thyroid medicine or radioactive iodine pills. Your doctor may recommend surgery if these approaches don’t relieve symptoms.