Guide To The Causes, Risk Factors, And Complications Of Thyroid Nodules

Hyperthyroidism

Not only can thyroid nodules be classified as benign or cancerous, but they are also classified as toxic or non-toxic. A thyroid nodule that develops in an affected individual that produce symptoms characteristic of an overactive thyroid is said to be an adenoma or toxic thyroid nodule. Toxic thyroid nodules account for between three and five percent of all individuals affected by hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism that arises due to a toxic thyroid nodule is more prevalent among women who are past their sixth decade of life, and rarely ever occurs in children. Nodule precipitated hyperthyroidism can produce problems in the cardiovascular system, including rapid heart rate, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure. The types of nodules that induce hyperthyroidism can cause an affected individual to experience bone loss and osteoporosis.

Issues Swallowing Or Breathing

An individual who experiences the development of thyroid nodules may experience issues with swallowing or breathing as a result of their abnormal growth. Problems with breathing and swallowing occur as a direct result of the thyroid gland becoming larger than normal. Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths of the thyroid tissues that cause marked increases in the volume, size, and mass of the organ. Multinodular goiters are notorious for producing physical symptoms related to size. Only around one-third of all cases of thyroid nodules cause symptoms related to swallowing and breathing. Some patients who have a thyroid nodule have described it to cause a sensation that makes them want to swallow repeatedly or have a constant urge to swallow something. When a thyroid nodule compresses the tissues of the throat, a patient may have a frequent urge to cough or clear their throat from partial obstruction or narrowing of the windpipe. Uncomfortable pressure on the trachea that makes the action of breathing tickle or feel abnormal is also a manifestation of thyroid nodules.