Thyroid nodules are small growths in the thyroid gland located in the neck region. These nodules are generally developed when the thyroid cells grow abnormally. Nodules are mostly benign, but in some rare cases, they are cancerous. Nodules are often asymptomatic, but if they grow larger, they can cause swelling in the neck becoming goiter which can be painful causing difficulties in breathing and swallowing. These nodules usually hinder the functioning of the thyroid gland and may be responsible for causing either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

Thyroid nodules may be easily detected during a normal physical exam. They may also show up during an ultrasound, CT scan, or an MRI. When the nodule is detected, the patient may be subject to other procedures like the TSH test and thyroid scan. These will evaluate the patient for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism – some of the major types of thyroid. These nodules will also be tested to determine whether they are cancerous cells with the help of a fine needle aspiration biopsy.

Benign thyroid nodules may be left untreated if they do not grow in size as they are not life-threatening. If as per the biopsy report the nodule shows signs of growth, doctors may decide to shrink the nodule with radioactive iodine.
Following are the causes and symptoms of the thyroid disease.

Causes of Thyroid nodules
Thyroid diseases are a result of irregular functioning of the thyroid glands. Thyroid glands secrete essential hormones into the bloodstream to control the body’s growth and metabolism and to repair damaged cells. If these glands fail to function in the way they should, i.e., if they release too much hormone or too little hormone, the pace of metabolism loses its stability. Some of the causes associated with thyroid nodules include:

Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a situation when the thyroid gland releases excess thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. Overproduction of hormones causes the formation of nodules in the thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce the required quantity of the hormone. The pituitary gland produces an excess thyroid-stimulating hormone which causes the development of nodules in the thyroid gland.

Iodine deficiency
Iodine is an essential mineral which the thyroid gland uses to make thyroid hormones. This mineral is commonly found in seafood. Generally, pregnant women, people living in areas that contain very less iodine in the soil, people who do not consume iodized salt and people who are vegetarian and vegan are those who lack iodine in the blood.

Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases like Grave’s disease and Hashimoto’s disease are inherited conditions. Autoimmune diseases cause the body’s immune system to attack the body, including the thyroid. Grave’s disease causes hyperthyroidism, while Hashimoto’s disease causes hypothyroidism. Autoimmune diseases affect up to 4% of the population in the country. This type of thyroid disorder affects more women than men, and its incidence increases with age.

Symptoms of thyroid nodules
Often thyroid nodules are asymptomatic without causing any discomfort. Nodules vary in size from small to large. Small thyroid nodules may not be noticed at all. Some of the symptoms associated with thyroid nodules include:

• A high level of thyroid hormone in the body causes rapid or irregular heartbeat, high-pulse rate, nervousness, and anxiety
• Hyperthyroidism may also cause excessive sweating in some people
• Tremors may occur in the hands and legs
• Some people experience increased appetite which is abnormal
• On the contrary, unexplained weight loss may be seen in some
• Increased levels of thyroid hormone may cause clammy skin, irritability, and sleeplessness