Thyroid Nodules
Most thyroid nodules are harmless. The job is to figure out which ones aren't, and that takes ultrasound first, fine-needle aspiration if the scan suggests it. The plan after that depends entirely on what we find.
Most thyroid nodules are harmless. The job is to figure out which ones aren't, and that takes ultrasound first, fine-needle aspiration if the scan suggests it. The plan after that depends entirely on what we find.
What is thyroid nodules?
Thyroid nodules — small lumps in the thyroid gland — are extremely common, especially in women. By age 60, more than half of all women have at least one nodule visible on ultrasound. The vast majority are completely benign.
The challenge isn't finding nodules; it's deciding which ones need attention. We use ultrasound first to look at the size and features, then a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for any nodule with worrying characteristics.
Who this is for
- A lump felt in the neck
- Pressure or fullness when swallowing
- A nodule found incidentally on a scan done for another reason
- Family history of thyroid cancer along with a new nodule
How it's done
Ultrasound
First-line. We look at the nodule's size, shape, internal pattern, and blood flow. Most have features that confirm benignity straight away.
Fine-needle aspiration
If a nodule looks suspicious, FNA takes a small sample with a thin needle (under ultrasound guidance) for analysis. Done in clinic, takes a few minutes.
What happens after the result
Benign nodules are usually monitored. Suspicious or malignant nodules are discussed for surgery. Some benign nodules causing symptoms can be treated with ablation instead of surgery.
Questions worth asking
No. About 95% of thyroid nodules are benign. The whole point of evaluation is to identify the small minority that aren't.
Not by ultrasound or FNA. Surgery, when needed, carries a small risk to the voice nerves — which is why surgery is only considered when the diagnosis really calls for it.
Related care
All specialitiesThyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer care from the first scan through to long-term follow-up. The surgery itself is built around protecting the nerves to the voice; the follow-up is built around catching anything that comes back early.
Learn moreGoitre
Surgery for a goitre that's gotten in the way: pressing on the windpipe, making swallowing difficult, or simply visible enough to be uncomfortable. We remove only what needs removing.
Learn moreAblation of Thyroid Nodules
Ablation shrinks a thyroid nodule using heat from a needle, no surgery required. It's a good fit for benign nodules causing pressure or visible swelling. Whether it's right for you depends on what's on the scan.
Learn moreThe first consultation
is the first step.
Most concerns can be settled in a single, considered conversation. Reach out — answers usually come faster than you’d expect.
Hours
CK Birla Hospital
Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 3 PM
Clinic
Mon – Sat: 5 PM – 7 PM
Sunday: 8 AM – 10 AM
Visit
Medical D/C Center, Kalwar Rd,
Jhotwara, Jaipur 302012