What are thyroid nodules and what are the symptoms

Many people may not know much about thyroid nodules, but in fact this disease is very common in life. If thyroid nodules cause nausea, it may induce the occurrence of thyroid adenoma, so it is helpful to learn more about the symptoms of this disease.

Thyroid nodules are a common problem encountered by surgeons. It has been estimated that approximately 4% of adults may develop thyroid nodules. Thyroid nodules can be benign or malignant. Benign thyroid nodules mainly include nodular goiter, thyroid adenoma, etc.; malignant thyroid nodules are mainly thyroid cancer, and also include thyroid lymphoma, metastatic tumors, etc. Although malignant lesions are uncommon, they are difficult to identify before surgery. The most important thing is to avoid missing the cancer. The incidence of histologically micromalignant tumors in the thyroid gland can be as high as 17%, according to autopsy material.

Nodular goiter generally does not present functional changes, and the patient's basal metabolic rate is normal; however, when the nodules are large, they may compress the trachea, esophagus, blood vessels, nerves, etc., causing the following symptoms:

1) Compression of trachea: more common. If compression comes from one side, the trachea will shift or bend to the other side; if compression comes from both sides, the trachea will be narrowed and breathing will be difficult, which is especially serious when there is a goiter behind the sternum. Long-term pressure on the tracheal wall can cause tracheal softening and lead to suffocation.

2) Compression of esophagus: rare. Only a substernal goiter may compress the esophagus, causing discomfort during swallowing but not obstructive symptoms.

3) Compression of the large veins deep in the neck: This can cause difficulty in blood return to the head and neck. This situation is more common in large goiters located at the upper opening of the thorax, especially those behind the sternum. The patient's face was swollen with bluish purple color, and the superficial veins in the neck and chest were significantly dilated.

4) Compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve: can cause vocal cord paralysis (usually on one side) and the patient's voice becomes hoarse. Compression of the cervical sympathetic ganglion chain can cause Horner syndrome, which is extremely rare.