Are multiple thyroid nodules common?

Some people have one nodule, while others have many. Thyroid nodules may be solid tissue or filled with blood or other fluid. Thyroid nodules are quite common, with as many as half of all people having at least one nodule by the age of 60.

Is it normal to have two thyroid nodules?

If there are nodules in the goiter it is called a nodular goiter; if there is more than one nodule it is called a multinodular goiter. Thyroid nodule: an abnormal growth of thyroid cells that forms a lump within the thyroid. While most thyroid nodules are non-cancerous (Benign), ~5% are cancerous.

What does multiple thyroid nodules mean?

The term goiter is used to describe any enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can be caused by iodine deficiency or a thyroid disorder. A multinodular goiter contains multiple distinct nodules within the goiter, but its cause is less clear. Thyroid cancer. The chances that a nodule is cancerous are small.

How many thyroid nodules are cancerous?

Most thyroid nodules are benign, but about 2 or 3 in 20 are cancerous. Sometimes these nodules make too much thyroid hormone and cause hyperthyroidism.

Is my thyroid nodule at risk of being cancer?

Solid nodules in your thyroid are more likely to be malignant than fluid-filled nodules, but they’re still rarely cancerous . Keep in mind that, while hypoechoic nodules are more likely to be cancerous, echogenicity itself isn’t a reliable predictor of thyroid cancer.

What is considered a large thyroid nodule?

Greater than 1 cm: Thyroid nodules greater than 1 cm in size can be benign or malignant. Large nodules, even if benign could compress the trachea and cause breathing problems. An ENT specialist or endocrinologist may perform a fine needle biopsy to see if there are signs…

Why does one get nodules in the thyroid?

Causes of thyroid nodules include an iodine deficiency, overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue, inflammation of the thyroid, thyroid cysts and radiation exposure.

Do benign thyroid nodules require long-term follow-up?

Long-term follow-up of benign thyroid nodules shows favorable prognosis. After 5 years of follow-up, a majority of asymptomatic, benign thyroid nodules exhibited no significant change in size, or actually decreased in size, and diagnoses of thyroid cancer were rare, according to a study in JAMA (2015; doi:10.1001/jama.2015.0956).