swallowing difficulties<\/a> or stimulating overproduction of thyroid hormone.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Causes Thyroid Nodules?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thyroid nodules may develop due to a variety of conditions such as iodine deficiency, excess tissue growth, thyroid cysts, goiter (enlarged thyroid), Hashimoto\u2019s disease (a thyroid disorder resulting in inflammation and reduced hormone production) and cancer. Heredity is also a factor; if thyroid nodules run in your family, you are more likely to have them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thyroid Nodule Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nodules sometimes produce additional thyroid hormone, which causes an imbalance that leads to hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, tremors, irritability, excessive perspiration and intolerance to heat. These are the result of a sped-up metabolism. In rare cases, thyroid nodules turn out to be cancerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Are Thyroid Nodules Treated?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Treatment depends on the size of the thyroid nodule and whether or not it\u2019s cancerous. Benign nodules may be removed through surgery or thyroid hormone suppression therapy. If nodules are causing hyperthyroidism, you\u2019ll likely receive radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medication. Surgery is the option of choice for malignant (cancerous) thyroid nodules.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n