The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, just below the voice box. Thyroid tumors, or nodules, are lumps that form within the thyroid. According to the Mayo Clinic, a majority of thyroid nodules are noncancerous and present no symptoms at all. With most people, a physician discovers the nodules during a routine exam. However, there are some instances in which thyroid nodules do present symptoms--which vary depending on the size and type of nodule. Some nodules may grow large enough to present mechanical problems or affect the cells that produce thyroid hormone.
Symptoms of Large Thyroid Nodules
If a thyroid nodule grows large enough, it can press against other structures in the neck. In some cases, patients may experience difficulty swallowing or changes in voice tone. Patients may also experience pain or a swollen feeling in the area of the thyroid gland. If the nodule is large enough, it may cause difficulty breathing. A nodule can also cause the thyroid to enlarge, a condition known as goiter.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism from Thyroid Nodules
When a tumor forms in a gland, it may irritate the gland into producing more hormone than it should. In the case of the thyroid, a nodule can cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The thyroid controls metabolism and the more thyroid hormone you produce, the higher your metabolism. With hyperthyroidism, patients often experience unexplained weight loss and increased appetite as the body struggles to keep up with the increased metabolism. Patients also experience an increased heart rate and associated nervousness and skin flushing.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism from Thyroid Nodules
With hypothyroidism, the thyroid doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone and the metabolism slows. Many patients experience unintentional weight gain and fatigue because the body doesn't metabolize energy fast enough. Patients also experience dry skin and hair loss as the body diverts available energy from the skin and hair to more important organ functions. Patients with hypothyroidism also experience intolerance to cold.
Symptoms of Nodules with Hashimoto's Disease
According to the National Institutes of Health, Hashmoto's disease is a common thyroid disorder that affects 0.1 percent to 0.5 percent of all adults in western countries. Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks healthy thyroid cells. In some instances, people with Hashimoto's disease may also develop nodules in the thyroid. Hashimoto's disease causes symptoms similar to hypothyroidism.
