Thyroid nodules

Thyroid nodules and their treatment

What are thyroid nodules?

Thyroid nodules develop inside the thyroid gland, which is located below the Adam’s apple. The lumps may be filled with either solid or liquid matter. Most thyroid nodules are benign. They are mostly discovered routine medical check ups, unless they have grown large enough to make swallowing uncomfortable.

Symptoms of thyroid disease include stunted growth in kids, acute weight gain or loss, depression, anxiety, nervousness and depression, puffiness around the eyes, fatigue and unregulated physical response to changes in temperature.

There are different types of thyroid nodules:

- Colloid nodules – non-cancerous and usually confined to the area of the thyroid gland
- Thyroid cyst – generally liquid filled nodules, but some may contain solids and may be malignant
- Thyroid cancer – usually are hard and painful
- Multinodar goiter can cause restricted breathing and swallowing
- Follicular adenoma – also benign
- Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules independently produce thyroid hormones
- Thyroid cancer, which may be genetic

In most cases thyroid nodules only become apparent when you can physically feel them or if the base of the neck appears swollen.

Thyroid nodules tend to produce excessive thyroid hormone, causing symptoms like increased heart rate, fatigue and anxiety. The nodules may be cancerous if they assume rapid growth, hampers breathing and results in enlarged lymph nodes.

Consult your physician if you experience unexplained muscle weakness, insomnia, nervousness and anxiety, and any abnormal swelling at the base of the neck

The thyroid gland absorbs iodine consumed in food and produces Thyroxine and triiodoththyronine. These hormones help control body temperature, heart rate and protein production.

Thyroid nodules treatment and causes

The actual cause of thyroid nodules remains unknown, but the following to contribute to their existence:

- Insufficient iodine
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland
- Genetic reasons
- Pediatric exposure to radiation to the neck area

Treatment includes surgery to remove the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy), radioactive iodine, also to eliminate the thyroid and thyroid hormone suppression through the use of medications. Of these, surgery is the most risky as it takes skill not to damage the nearby nerves of the larynx.

Natural cures for thyroid nodules

Thousands of thyroid sufferers have sought alternative relief and removal of thyroid nodules and swear by these natural cures for thyroid nodules:

1. Use coconut oil in food preparation, as opposed to other vegetable oil
2. Use guggul extract in your diet, but with the consultation of your doctor
3. Consume increased amounts of raw fruits and veggies
4. A hot ginger toddy gives relief from painful swallowing and gets rid of the nodules
5. Avoid salt because of its high iodine content
6. Stay away from dairy and wheat products
7. Regular exercise and relaxation techniques like yoga helps to eliminate thyroid nodules


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external links
wikipedia: Thyroid nodules