Let’s talk about nodules, shall we?
Nodules on our thyroid can be solid masses or liquid filled cysts. Some can interrupt our thyroid hormones by increasing or decreasing their function. It is estimated that 1 in 15 women and approximately 1 in 50 men have a thyroid nodule. Medical experts estimate that most people will develop at least one thyroid nodule by the time they are 50 years of age.
Being aware of the type of nodule is key.
There are four different types of thyroid nodules: benign, malignant, suspicious, and inconclusive. Over 90 percent of thyroid nodules do not pose a serious threat and fall into the benign category. However, this does not mean you should simply ignore a thyroid nodule if you discover one. An estimated 5 percent of thyroid nodules are expected to be cancerous or malignant.
Although the size does not tell us what category a thyroid nodule belongs to, malignant thyroid nodules tend to be larger masses that expand aggressively. Fortunately, even if you are diagnosed with a malignant nodule, the good news is thyroid cancer is highly treatable.
Thyroid nodules that are diagnosed suspicious or inconclusive will require further evaluation. If you are diagnosed with a suspicious nodule, you will likely be asked to return for testing or observation to ensure that it does not develop into a more serious issue. If a biopsy is not possible, most doctors recommend surgical removal of a suspicious thyroid nodule to proactively remove a potential problem. If an inconclusive nodule cannot be biopsied for proper testing, some physicians may recommend surgical removal.
Some nodules will quickly grow and will be noticeable. Goiters can also result from thyroid nodules. Some may develop multinodular goiters, which can be identified by the multiple distinct nodules located within the same region. Goiters are known to cause neck tenderness, restrict the windpipe resulting in coughing and shortness of breath, and sensations of constriction.
Some nodules and goiters are caused by iodine deficiency. You can gain further insight from Dr Brownstein’s studies in his book, “Iodine,” and in Lynne Farrow’s book, “The Iodine Crisis.” There are also YouTube videos.
https://www.drbrownstein.com/iodine-why-you-need-it-p/iodine.htm
Dyshormonogenetic Goiter
A dyshormonogenetic goiter is rare and can be genetic. It is discovered at birth or shortly thereafter with hypothyroidism, goiter or growth retardation (cretinism).
Dyshormonogenetic goiters are genetically determined thyroid hyperplasias due to enzyme defects in thyroid-hormone synthesis.
The hypothyroidism is from enzymatic blocking different sites in the pathway to T3/T4. It can also be from impaired responsiveness to TSH, defective iodine transport, defective organification of iodide, defective iodotyrosine coupling, abnormal thyroglobulin synthesis and secretion, defective deiodinase or abnormal transport of thyroid
Here are some external pages with more info on this type of goiter.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK28/#A364
http://ijs.sagepub.com/content/7/3/125.abstract
http://www.atmjournal.org/article/view/1554/2173
http://path.upmc.edu/cases/case425/dx.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12114789
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2090670
Autoimmune
Other common causes of goiters are autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s or Graves’. Both attack your thyroid which can potentially enlarge the thyroid with inflammation and swelling.
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) improves your immune function and can lower your antibodies.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29885638
http://tawki.info/Hashimotos
Depending on your thyroid function, for which proper testing is needed, and including the type of nodule, you can experience a variety of symptoms of hypothyroidism and/or hyperthyroidism. Usually symptoms correlate with or alternate between the two. http://tawki.info/Labwork
Symptoms to watch for
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sensations of fullness
- Pain or pressure around the neck
- Lost voice
- Neck tenderness
- Visible lump on your neck in line with the Adam’s apple or above or below the Adam’s apple.
Working with a good doctor is necessary to ensure that your thyroid is working to full capacity. It is the gas pedal to our engine.
Various tests include a physical exam, x-ray, CT scan, MRI, and/or ultrasound to confirm the presence of a nodule. If cancer is suspected, a more involved Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) may be done. An FNA has a 90 percent accuracy for thyroid cancer. All of these tests help to accurately identify thyroid nodules and reasonably assess their threat allowing for a more informed decision regarding treatment.
Treatments to consider
Depending on the type of nodule that has developed, there are various approaches to treatment.
Benign thyroid nodules are commonly treated with thyroid hormones. A combination of T4/T3 or (NDT) or T3 have been shown to be more effective to stop and prevent them.