Most thyroid nodules do not cause symptoms. Thus, most people may only realize they have a thyroid nodule when it is large enough to be noticed in the mirror, or found by chance during a physical examination, or incidentally picked up on investigations like ultrasounds, CT scans or PET scans.
Some symptoms may include:
While symptoms of thyroid nodules are gradual and may not be very obvious, complications such as bleeding into the thyroid cyst or nodule may cause a sudden and painful swelling in the neck. Patients who have advanced thyroid cancer may also have a hoarse voice and difficulty swallowing.