Thyroid Nodules With Calcification - 3 FAQs

The human thyroid plays an integral role in the body's endocrine system

. The endocrine system is a set of organs found throughout the body that excrete hormones that regulate many important brain, digestive and other functions.

Specifically, the thyroid gland is one that takes in iodine from foods and in turn releases two distinct thyroid hormones into the body. These hormones are essential to metabolism, since every cell in the body requires these hormones in order to properly convert fat calories and oxygen into usable energy.

When functioning properly, the pituitary gland - another endocrine system organ found at the base of the brain - releases a special hormone that tells the thyroid gland to get to work.

Problems with the thyroid, however, can lead to it producing too much or too little of the important hormones it is designed to produce. One such problem is thyroid nodules. Here are answers to 3 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about thyroid nodules:

1. What is a thyroid nodule?

A nodule is a bump or lump that can form on the edge of the thyroid gland itself. They are often visible outside of the body on the neck, and they can sometimes be felt as a lump in the throat. They are most common in women, but men can also develop them.

Nodules can either be cancerous or non-cancerous. The vast majority are non-cancerous, but only examination by a qualified physician can determine for sure.

2. What is nodule calcification?

Some nodules contain hardened calcium, which is known as calcification. This condition is usually only detectable via ultrasonography (undergoing a sonogram). Calcification in the body is the result of the body protecting itself against something foreign, such as a nodule or tumor.

3. Thyroid nodules with calcification - what are the risks?

Some doctors have noted that calcified nodules pose a slightly higher risk of being cancerous than do non-calcified nodules. However, only a biopsy of the nodule can tell for sure whether it is cancerous.

These 3 FAQs help explain important observations about thyroid nodules with calcification.

Thyroid Nodules With Calcification - 3 FAQs

By: Everett Machlachan

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