The normal thyroid gland accumulates iodine from the blood and uses it to make thyroid hormones. This article was medically reviewed by Shari Forschen, NP, MA. A thyroid ultrasound may be used to identify thyroid nodules. See a medical illustration of the thyroid plus our entire medical gallery of human anatomy and physiology, Thyroid Nodule Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Pictures Center, Patient Comments: Thyroid Nodules - Symptoms and Signs, Patient Comments: Thyroid Nodules - Treatments, Patient Comments: Thyroid Nodules - Tests and Diagnosis, Patient Comments: Thyroid Nodules - Goiter, Find a local Endocrinologist in your town, Click for more information about thyroid cancer symptoms, causes, treatments, and cure. (See Who interprets the results? The radioactive substance is then injected into your vein through the intravenous line. Many other ©1996-2021 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. It is a disease in which cells grow abnormally and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. Thyroid diseases and disorders are caused because the body either makes too much or too little thyroid hormones, which are necessary for vital functions of the body. Goiter is a non-specific finding that warrants medical evaluation. (rarely), or reducing the dose of thyroid hormone. The level of thyroid hormones may help to diagnose hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is an excess of thyroid hormone due to an overactive thyroid gland. The term "thyroid nodule" refers to any abnormal growth that forms a lump in the thyroid gland. The cause of most thyroid nodules is unknown. Any nodule not removed needs to be watched closely by follow-up with the physician every 6 to 12 months. History: The doctor will take a detailed history, evaluating both past and present medical problems. Similarly, the nodule is more likely to be cancerous if there is any history of radiation exposure, difficulty swallowing, or a change in the voice. Significant radiation exposures include the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters. Your unexplained change in weight could indicate a thyroid condition. Learn hyperthyroidism causes, symptoms, and treatment. Treatment for the condition is with medication, Computed tomography, more commonly known as a CT or CAT scan, is a diagnostic medical imaging test. Free T3 is normally between 2.3–4.2 pg/mL in adults over 18 years old. All conditions are unique and specific to the individual and, as such, interpretation should be left to the physician treating each case. Thyroid nodules symptoms and signs include hyperthyroidism, pain where the nodule is located, problems swallowing, and shortness of breath. This follow-up may involve a physical examination, ultrasound examination, or both. If a nodule causes hyperthyroidism, it is usually noncancerous. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Most thyroid cancers are not very aggressive; that is, they do not spread rapidly. Normally, the If the nodule is very large, it can cause difficulty swallowing or shortness of breath by compressing the esophagus (tube connecting the mouth to the stomach) or trachea (windpipe). If the nodule is more difficult to feel, fine needle aspiration can be performed with ultrasound guidance. Trustworthy Source The majority of thyroid nodules are benign. Remember that only your doctor can diagnose thyroid disease, so make sure you talk with her about the results so you can begin treatment if necessary. Understand what to expect from the test and how to interpret results. A TSH reading alone can point your physician down a certain path, but in itself it is usually not diagnostic. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. Thyroid nodules may be single or multiple. Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/thyroid-disease.html, http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/diagnostic-tests/thyroid-tests/Pages/default.aspx, https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003684.htm, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/dxc-20155382, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/basics/symptoms/con-20020986, Leggere il Referto degli Esami per la Tiroide, interpretar los resultados de exámenes de la tiroides, расшифровать результаты анализов щитовидной железы, Interpretar o Resultado de um Exame da Tiroide, lire les résultats de son bilan thyroïdien, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Thyroid nodules is one of the most common complaints that involve the endocrine system. The radiologist is able to view each slice to assess for injuries, including ruptured disks and other bony abnormalities. [1] Learn about thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, and more. U.S. government agency providing resources for women's health, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Read-Thyroid-Test-Results-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Read-Thyroid-Test-Results-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Read-Thyroid-Test-Results-Step-1.jpg\/aid7469291-v4-728px-Read-Thyroid-Test-Results-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"