Nodules as a Symptom of Graves’ Disease
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes overactivity of the thyroid gland, leading to a condition called hyperthyroidism. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone plays a role in controlling many functions of the body. Graves’ disease is more common in women over the age of 20, but it can affect people of any age and gender.
Thyroid nodules are lumps that form in the thyroid. The nodules may be solid or fluid-filled. Many thyroid nodules don’t cause symptoms and are uncovered during routine medical exam. Thyroid nodules may produce thyroid hormone. The extra thyroid hormone produced by the nodules may result in hyperthyroidism. A small percentage of thyroid nodules may be cancerous.
People with Graves’ disease have a higher risk of having thyroid nodules. The nodules may contribute to the overproduction of thyroid hormone and increase the risk of thyroid cancer. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in thyroid diseases to evaluate nodules and the risk of cancer.
In addition to hyperthyroidism from overproduction of thyroid hormone, thyroid nodules may cause complications, including problems with swallowing or breathing if the nodules are large or there are multiple nodules that grow against the airways or esophagus that run through the neck.
To evaluate thyroid nodules, healthcare professionals may recommend:
- Ultrasound to provide information about the location, shape, and structure of thyroid nodules.
- Fine-needle biopsy to obtain a sample of the nodule’s tissue or fluid. The sample is examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. A fine-needle biopsy is usually performed with ultrasound.
- Thyroid scan to provide information about the structure and function of the thyroid. A radioactive substance and a special type of scanner are used to create images of the thyroid on a computer.
In some cases, people may not require additional treatment beyond the management of their Graves’ disease. In other cases, the nodules may be removed surgically or destroyed using chemicals injected into the nodule by a technique called ablation.
It's important to remember that treatment options for thyroid nodules in people with Graves’ disease may vary depending on individual factors such as age, overall health, and severity of symptoms. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized recommendations. Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are also important to monitor your condition and adjust treatment if needed.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for side effect information.