A lump in the throat not always cause for alarm

Thyroid nodules are lumps that form inside the thyroid gland. They may be filled with fluid or thyroid tissue. They are quite common and most people who have them don’t notice it, until their doctor discovers it during a routine examination.
Thyroid nodules affect between 3-7% of the general population, and have been found in up to 50% of people over 40 years of age. Only about 5% of the population have a thyroid nodule that can be easily felt.
Thyroid nodules tend to be more common in women than in men, and are also more common in older people.
Most thyroid nodules are not cancerous (called benign), but about five in every 100 nodules do contain cancer.
Most thyroid cancers can be removed by an operation and be cured.
The thyroid gland is found in the lower front of the neck. It produces thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the blood and then carried throughout the body. Thyroid hormone is important because it helps the body use energy, stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working as they should.
There are several conditions that can cause nodules to develop in your thyroid gland. Here are a few examples:
■ Thyroid cyst: A thyroid cyst in a lump that is usually filled with fluid. Sometimes solid components may be mixed with fluid in thyroid cysts.
Iodine deficiency A lack of iodine in your diet can sometimes cause your thyroid gland to develop thyroid nodules. But iodine deficiency is uncommon in Ireland where iodine is routinely added to table salt and other foods.
■ Overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue: This is sometimes called thyroid adenoma.t is unclear why this happens.
■ Ongoing inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis): A thyroid disorder called Hashimoto’s disease, can cause inflammation of the thyroid which results in enlargement of thyroid nodules. This often is associated with hypothyroidism (reduced activity of the thyroid gland).
■ Thyroid cancer: Cancerous thyroid nodules are rare (occur in less than 5 in every 100 people with thyroid nodules). You are at higher risk of thyroid cancer if you have a family history of thyroid or other endocrine cancers; are younger than 30 years or older than 60 years of age; or have a history of radiation exposure, particularly to the head and neck.
Most thyroid nodules cause no symptoms at all. It is usually noticed if a person feels a lump in their throat or notices a swelling in the throat area in the mirror. Sometimes your doctor may notice the swelling during a routine examination.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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