How to effectively treat thyroid nodules

Thyroid nodules are a relatively common disease, and the incidence rate is getting higher and higher. Women are especially susceptible to this disease, so it cannot be ignored in treatment. We must also actively judge whether it is benign or malignant and treat it correctly.

1. Thyroid nodules are a common disease. The incidence rate has been on the rise in recent years and is more common in women. Many people discover their thyroid nodules through thyroid B-ultrasound examinations during physical examinations. Some patients also discover thyroid nodules because they feel their necks are getting thicker.

2. If you find thyroid nodules, don’t worry too much, as thyroid nodules are not the same as thyroid cancer. Thyroid nodules can be divided into benign nodules, such as nodular goiter, thyroid adenoma, etc.; and malignant nodules, which are thyroid cancer. B-ultrasound is the routine method for thyroid examination. High-resolution B-ultrasound examination can be used to preliminarily determine whether the nodule is benign or malignant. Benign nodules are mostly cystic with clear borders. Malignant nodules are mostly solid nodules with unclear boundaries, irregular shapes, rich blood flow signals, calcification, and abnormal examination of the perithyroidal lymph nodes.

3. Ultrasound examination can be used to preliminarily determine the benign or malignant degree of thyroid nodules. For nodules suspected to be benign, thyroid ultrasound can be performed regularly to observe the growth of the nodules. There are currently two methods for confirming a nodule suspected of being malignant. Pathological diagnosis is the gold standard for clinical diagnosis. Therefore, the nature of thyroid nodules can be determined by obtaining thyroid tissue through invasive means and performing pathological examination. There are currently two methods for obtaining specimens. One is ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid gland. That is, under the guidance of thyroid ultrasound, a fine needle is used to pierce the thyroid tissue, and a specimen is obtained for pathological examination. This examination method is less invasive, has high sensitivity and specificity, and is easy to operate and promote. But the prerequisite is to have a strong pathology department to back it up, which can accurately determine the nature of the specimens taken. Another option is surgery, which is both diagnostic and therapeutic. During the operation, the thyroid nodule tissue is removed and frozen during the operation to quickly determine the nature of the nodule, and the next surgical step is decided based on the nature of the nodule. If it is a malignant nodule, perform extended resection. If it is a benign nodule, the larger nodule can be removed and the thyroid gland can be preserved.

4. How can we prevent the occurrence of thyroid nodules in our daily life? In recent years, the incidence of thyroid nodules in coastal areas is higher than that in inland areas. It is speculated that this may be related to the fact that coastal areas like to eat seafood, kelp and other iodine-rich foods. Therefore, if we can take in enough iodine through food in our daily diet, we can eat non-iodized salt. Or alternate between iodized salt and non-iodized salt. At the same time, avoid exposure of the neck to radioactive materials. Actively exercise, balance nutrition, and improve your own immunity.