Thyroid nodules are not a serious medical concern in most cases. However, if left untreated, they can affect swallowing, breathing, and thyroid functions. If you think you have thyroid nodules, the endocrinology experts at Edward Condon Medical, P.C. are here to help.
With four convenient locations, Edward M Condon, M.D., F.A.C.E., E.C.N.U. serves families and individuals throughout Long Island.
Thyroid nodules are small lumps that develop in your thyroid, the small gland at the base of your neck responsible for secreting hormones responsible for metabolism and other functions. These lumps may be either solid or fluid-filled, but fortunately, they are rarely cancerous.
Thyroid nodules can develop for a variety of reasons, including:
You can also develop thyroid nodules if you have a history of thyroid cancer, especially if you have received radiation treatments.
Thyroid nodule symptoms depend on their location and size. If thyroid nodules grow to larger sizes, you may experience difficulty breathing or swallowing.
These nodules can affect your thyroid function, too, and potentially lead to:
You may also find yourself sweating more than usual for no particular reason. If any of these symptoms are affecting you, our endocrinology specialists can help diagnose and treat your thyroid issues.
Small and deep thyroid nodules or those within goiters cannot be palpated using standard techniques. Utilizing an ultrasound elastography (USE), our team can conduct a virtual palpation of the thyroid nodule. This innovative method generates a reliable assessment of the nodule’s consistency, providing the information necessary to begin your treatment plan.
If necessary, we can perform a thyroid biopsy to get to the root of your thyroid issue.
Your thyroid nodule treatment plan may differ depending on the severity of your symptoms. At Edward Condon Medical, P.C., we offer several safe treatment methods, including:
For more severe cases involving an excessive thyroid nodule, goiter, or potentially cancerous nodule, we may recommend having it surgically removed. With over 40 years of experience on Long Island, we have built longstanding connections with a trusted network of doctors and medical professionals, providing our patients with recommended specialists when necessary.