What are the treatment options for thyroid nodule?

A thyroid nodule is a lump within the thyroid and may be solid, fluid-filled or mixed. Ultrasound helps describe its size and appearance, while blood tests show how the thyroid is working. These findings guide whether a nodule can be watched or needs a sample.

Fine needle aspiration uses a thin needle to collect cells for examination. A benign result may lead to monitoring with repeat examination or ultrasound. Surgery may be discussed when results suggest cancer, the nodule causes pressure or swallowing symptoms, it keeps growing, or testing does not settle the diagnosis.

Bring previous scans so changes can be compared. Tell the clinician about voice change, swallowing difficulty, breathing pressure, neck discomfort, family thyroid conditions and medicines that affect bleeding. Ask what result would change the plan and when your next ultrasound or review is due.

Seek urgent medical help if a neck lump causes difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva or rapidly worsening swelling. Contact your clinician sooner for a new persistent voice change, fast enlargement, significant pain or symptoms of an overactive thyroid such as racing heartbeat and shaking.

What does the ultrasound show? Do I need fine needle aspiration? Is my thyroid function normal? What symptoms would make surgery more useful? If surgery is recommended, would part or all of the thyroid be removed? How will the nodule be followed if we monitor it?