Thyroid nodules
- What it is
A thyroid nodule is a localized “swelling” within the thyroid gland. Sometimes this occurs as a single swelling in an otherwise normal gland. If multiple nodules are found within the same thyroid gland, it is known as a multinodular goitre.
Most are either simple “overgrowths” of normal thyroid tissue, fluid-containing cysts or slowly growing benign tumours called adenomas.
A small percentage of these nodules can be cancerous. The risk of thyroid cancer is higher if you had a history of radiation to the head and neck for other medical conditions, or if you have a family history of thyroid cancer.
