Many thyroid colloid cysts do not require treatment, but follow-up exams can monitor for any growth or changes.
In some cases, surgical removal may be recommended.
Thyroid nodules are very common.
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About 60% of adults have at least one.
Fortunately, about 95% of these are noncancerous.
A thyroid nodule is not always filled with fluid.
But when it is, as is the case with thyroid colloid cysts, it is considered cystic.
Colloid nodules may be completely fluid-filled or partially-fluid filled with some solid areas.
Purely cystic nodules (meaning 100% fluid-filled) are rarely cancerous.
It’s possible to develop other thyroid nodules, such as hyperplastic nodules and follicular adenomas.
A goiter describes anenlarged thyroidthat either encompasses the entire gland or appears as bumpy nodules.
Some patients have more than one key in of nodule at the same time.
What Is the Thyroid?
Thethyroidis a gland located at the base of the neck, below the Adams apple or larynx.
It has a right and left lobe, connected by the isthmus, which is like a bridge.
They become more common as you age.
You may suspect that a painful thyroid nodule is cancerous.
Like many cancers, thyroid cancer can run in families.
Although hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules don’t tend to cause cancer, they can result inother unpleasant side effects.
Ongoing monitoring andtreatmentcan help keep hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules under control.
Can Colloid Thyroid Cysts Turn Cancerous?
Thyroid cysts rarely develop into cancer, but they can.
Monitoring is required to determine whether a nodule is growing and may be turning cancerous.
If you have multiple nodules, each one should be evaluated individually.
If there’s growth or you have certain risk factors, additional testing for cancer may be needed.
Diagnosis
Nodules are more common in women and the incidence increases with age.
About 5% of women and 1% of men living iniodine-sufficient areashave palpable nodules.
High-resolution ultrasounds are particularly effective and detect thyroid nodules in up to 68% of healthy individuals.
Based on the results of these tests and other risk factors, further testing may be required.
It can be helpful to undergo the following tests.
A radionuclide (radioactive iodine) is taken by mouth, in the form of a pill.
Performing FNA while using an ultrasound machine helps ensure the correct placement of the needle.
You may receive medication to numb the area of the neck to prevent discomfort.
Your healthcare provider will take multiple cell samples from different areas of the nodule to analyze for cancerous characteristics.
Thyroid Colloid Cyst Monitoring and Treatment
Many thyroid nodules remain stable in size.
Some may shrink spontaneously or even disappear entirely without any treatment.Still, monitoring is important.
These test results will help guide treatment and follow-up recommendations.
Surgical Removal
Cysts are usually noncancerous, but they occasionally contain cancerous solid components.
Even benign cysts may require removal if they have significant growth.
There are several tests available to help your practitioner determine whether the nodule is concerning or harmless.
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