Do Thyroid Nodules Require Treatment?

Posted on by Alpine Ear Nose & Throat PC

Thyroid nodules are lumps that form within the thyroid—the small gland sitting at the base of the neck. The lumps can either be solid or fluid-filled. While most nodules aren’t serious, larger nodules can cause unpleasant symptoms. In addition to being visible from the outside, appearing as a swelling at the base of the neck, the nodules can press on your windpipe and esophagus, leading to shortness of breath and trouble swallowing.

What Causes Thyroid Nodules?

A close-up shot of a young woman touching her neck and throat with her fingers.

There are a few explanations for thyroid nodules, including:

  • Multinodular goiter. A multinodular goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland with multiple nodules.
  • Thyroid tissue overgrowth. We don’t know exactly why excessive thyroid tissue growth happens, but it can result in a nodule and, sometimes, hyperthyroidism.
  • Cysts. When overgrowth in the thyroid breaks down, it can result in a fluid-filled cyst.
  • Iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency is rare in the United States because it is added to many table salts and other foods, but it is still possible to develop the condition and the resulting thyroid nodules. Not all iodine deficiencies will result in a thyroid nodule, but it is a potential side effect.

Rarely, thyroid nodules can come from thyroid cancer. Though the chances that a thyroid nodule is cancerous are small, it’s still best to get any visible or symptomatic bumps examined by an ENT specialist.

Treating Thyroid Nodules

If we determine that your thyroid nodules aren’t cancerous, we will likely recommend one of two options:

  • Waiting. If the thyroid nodule is small or unchanging, it may not require treatment. We still recommend watching it for signs of growth. Watching may require regular physical exams, ultrasounds or a biopsy.
  • Surgery. A large nodule that makes it difficult to breathe or swallow, regardless of the fact that it’s noncancerous, should be surgically removed.

If the nodule is cancerous, we may recommend removing the thyroid to clear the cancer. Hearing that you may have cancer is unnerving, but try not to make assumptions if you feel a lump in your thyroid. Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Alpine Ear Nose & Throat PC for an exam and treatment consultation. Whatever our tests reveal, we’re here to help you through every step of your journey.    

Sources

Mayo Clinic. (2025, June 14). Thyroid nodules: Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thyroid-nodules/symptoms-causes/syc-20355262