As these nodules get bigger, they can cause symptoms and the needle biopsies are less reliable (due to the increasing volume that cannot be completely sampled with a tiny needle). There is no reason to let a thyroid nodule continue to enlarge or grow past 4 cm. Like any tumor or growth elsewhere in the body (face, forehead, forearm, neck, etc.), you cannot let thyroid nodules continue to grow or enlarge forever. Any nodule that is 4 cm or larger should be removed with thyroid surgery. Thus, thyroid nodule size is one reason for benign thyroid nodule surgery. Although these nodules are benign, almost all of them will enlarge or grow over time. Thyroid nodules are often diagnosed as benign by needle biopsy during a patient evaluation. Most nodules are benign, but even benign nodules can require surgery. #2 Thing to Know About Thyroid Nodule Size: Thyroid Nodule Size Over 4 cm Requires SurgeryĪs noted above, thyroid nodules are common, occurring in 40% of women and 30% of men during their lifetime. Enlarged right thyroid lobe shown would lead to symptoms like difficulty breathing and swallowing and would require surgical treatment. The bottom line is thyroid nodule size is matters.įor more information regarding thyroid nodules and evaluation, see our article Top 5 Worries About Thyroid Nodules.įigure 2: Thyroid nodule size chart demonstrates relative size and the effects large nodules have on the thyroid gland. Sometimes, smaller nodules require thyroid surgery for a definitive diagnosis and cure. Nodules the size of a peanut or pea can also require a biopsy if there are suspicious features noted on ultrasound (more on that in # 4 below). Nodules the size of a grape or small kiwi usually require a needle biopsy for further information. Very large nodules rarely need to be biopsied because surgery is indicated to remove these lesions based on thyroid nodule size alone. These nodules require surgery (see # 2 below). As seen in Figure 2, which shows common food items size relative to thyroid nodules, once these nodules reach the approximate size of a lemon, they are as big or bigger than a normal half of a thyroid gland. When the thyroid nodule reaches 4 cm or greater, it will almost certainly require surgical treatment.Īs thyroid nodule size increases, these masses crowd out/replace normal thyroid tissue. Certainly, patients worry more about thyroid nodule size as these tumors grow, but not all, or even the majority of large nodules are cancerous, but the majority of large nodules will eventually require surgery.įigure 1: Thyroid nodule size chart shows that the likelihood for requiring thyroid surgery increases as the size of the thyroid nodule increases. While the risk for cancer and spread to lymph nodes increased with large nodules (10.4%- 22%), not all big nodules are cancerous. Importantly, thyroid nodule size, however, does not directly correlate with the nodules being malignant. This figure clearly shows an increasing likelihood for surgery as thyroid nodule size increases (independent of other factors). When not considering other parameters such thyroid cancer, thyroid function, etc., the size of a nodule can reliably predict the need for surgery as seen in Figure 1. #1 Thing to Know About Thyroid Nodule Size: Thyroid Nodule Size Matters and Predicts Need for SurgeryĪs thyroid nodule size increases, the need for surgery does as well. Below I will discuss the top 4 things to know about thyroid nodule size. Thyroid nodule size, however, does not always tell the whole story. Patients worry about thyroid nodule size as these tumors get bigger, cause symptoms, or become noticeable. Top 4 Things to Know About Thyroid Nodule Size Learn more about the top things patients worry about with thyroid nodules. As these nodules enlarge, some need to be removed with surgery just based on size alone. Benign nodules as well as cancerous nodules grow. Most thyroid nodules are benign, but some are cancerous (roughly 5%). Overall prevalence of thyroid nodules in the general population has been estimated as high as 65-68% based on autopsy studies. Thyroid nodules are common, occurring in 40% of women and 30% of men during their lifetime. Thyroid nodules are growths that occur in the thyroid gland forming a lump or bump within the otherwise smooth, even thyroid.
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