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Thyroid Nodules Q & A

By Dr. Augustine | March 18, 2016

Here is a question that we recently received regarding thyroid nodules.

QUESTION:  I’m confused. Have a friend that has nodule over 4 mm and they will remove half thyroid. Mine are 4.4mm with no surgery, but have Hashimotos. Why does she get surgery and I don’t? My throat closes and I end up with whatever I’m drinking coming out my nose. It’s sporadic so scary for me.

thyroid nodulesWhat Do Thyroid Nodules Really Mean?

ANSWER:  First, I want to clarify I am not a surgeon and am unable to know this persons full clinical history.  But, I think there is value in the question that she is asking.  Thyroid nodules can be benign or malignant, so it is always a good choice to have them checked out by your medical doctor.  To read a little more about thyroid nodules, check out what endocrine web has to say.  To give a short article recap;

  • One in 12 to 15 young women has a thyroid nodule.
  • One in 40 young men has a thyroid nodule.
  • More than 95% of all thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous growths).
  • Some are actually cysts, which are filled with fluid rather than thyroid tissue.
  • Most people will develop a thyroid nodule by the time they are 50 years old.
  • The incidence of thyroid nodules increases with age.
    • 50% of 50 year olds will have at least one thyroid nodule.
    • 60% of 60 year olds will have at least one thyroid nodule.
    • 70% of 70 year olds will have at least one thyroid nodule.

Why Do People Get Thyroid Nodules?

Think of these nodules like gristle in a piece of meat.  It is abnormal and the next thing you should be asking yourself is why are they there.  Thyroid nodules are very common for people who have Hashimoto’s thyroid.  Think about this…when your immune system is attacking your thyroid what do you think happens with the thyroid tissue?  It starts to lose its function.  When this happens, it releases TSH into the bloodstream and a patient usually reports a “thyroid storm.”

Nodules are a warning sign that something is not working like it should.  You have to find the cause or continue to suffer with adverse symptoms.  At Health Solutions Plus, we are know for finding and fixing the cause of the problem.  If we can be of any assistance, please contact us. Our 1st Step Quiz is a great place to start.

Posted in Autoimmune, case study, Thyroid and tagged ,