The thyroid, an endocrine gland located below the larynx and surrounding the trachea, is responsible for maintaining and regulating our metabolism, and also, subject to diseases, and many health problems ranging from an inability to effectively produce hormones, also known as hypothyroid, or producing excessive amounts of hormones, hyperthyroidism.
While it may not be a visible part of the body, it also requires attention to its health and functional abilities; its influence has a large effect on numerous aspects of ones medical condition. Another medical condition to plague the thyroid is a thyroid nodule, which refers to any abnormal growth, tumor, on the thyroid; thyroid nodules are actually considered to be one of the most common endocrine problems which occur in the United States. Most of the times, a thyroid nodule can be easily spotted from the visible, physical lump growing near the neck region; however, at times, it is possible for the nodule to be grown discretely in locations under muscles and tendons causing a difficultly from diagnosis just from observation; due to this reason, many cases of thyroid nodules have been discovered accidentally through attempting to diagnose other medical conditions.
In the cases where the nodules are growing discretely, it would be best to consult a physician about the possibility of such a medical situation, and resort to diagnosis through ultrasound, CT scans and MRI. Blood tests and other types of scanning are also popular methods to aid a positive diagnosis of the situation. Thyroid nodule symptoms are also rare, which is another reason that causes for alarm as at times, there may be abnormal growth in discrete locations which will never draw any attention. Keep in mind that, while in most cases, the growth is considered to be benign, and harmless, there has been incidences where it has transformed into being malignant, and cancerous with the ability to metastasize, spread, throughout the body. Generally, the most common symptoms of thyroid nodules are hyperthyroidism due to the increased amount of hormones generated by the growth cells.
In general, cells that cause hyperthyroidism are normally benign. The symptoms, then, arise not from the tumor, but from the excessive hormones being produced. Hyperthyroidism can cause serious medical conditions like heart failure, and should be correctly treated when diagnosed. A secondary, more uncommon, symptom found in only a rare amount of patients is a pain across the jaw and ear area; in some instances where the nodule has grown to an immense size, a difficulty in swallowing can be monitored. Generally speaking, thyroid nodules are normally harmless, and benign; at times, a physician will advise a patient to leave the nodule alone, and monitor its growth and development every year. Only in severe cases will surgery be required to remove the nodules; thyroid nodules can, at times, also be treated with medication to suppress its growth, and decrease its size. Regardless, being diagnosed with a thyroid nodule is generally not a cause for concern, and the medical condition can be easily dealt with without too much of a fuss.
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