What are the symptoms of thyroid nodules?

Thyroid nodules can manifest as different symptoms, the most common of which is compression of the large veins deep in the neck. They can also compress the trachea, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing and hoarseness. Therefore, patients must seek medical attention and receive scientific treatment.

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) 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.

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