• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

COVID HOTLINE • (877) 832-2684 • (877) 832-COVID • 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. Covid Self-Checker

Offices May Be Affected by Weather. Please call your office prior to your appointment.

  • ESPAÑOL
  • Book Now
  • Book Now
  • Pay Now
  • Patient Portal
  • Call Us: (866) 840-7728
  • Call Us: (682) 200-6194
Palm Primary Care Texas
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Insurance Plans Accepted
      • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • Find a Location
  • Find a Provider
  • Services
    • Primary Care
    • Senior Primary Care
    • Diagnostic Services
    • Case Management & Clinical Care
    • Transportation
    • Telemedicine
    • Weight Loss Program
  • Partner with Us
    • Careers
    • Careers For Providers
    • Become A Founding Physician
    • Agent Portal
  • Resources
    • Patient Forms
    • Provider Booklet for Agents and Providers
    • News & Blog
    • Patient Portal Information
    • Pay Now
  • Contact Us

Thyroid Disease & Nodules

Back to Patient Education
  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Am I at Risk
  • Complications

Introduction

Thyroid nodules are growths that develop within the thyroid gland.  Your thyroid gland is located in the lower front part of your neck, in front of your windpipe.  The vast majority of thyroid nodules are not cancerous, and in fact, they may even go away without treatment.
Back to top

Anatomy

Thyroid nodules can be fluid-filled cysts or composed of thyroid gland cells.  A single nodule or a cluster of several small nodules may be felt as a lump.
Back to top

Causes

Thyroid nodules develop for a variety of reasons, including impaired functioning of the thyroid gland.  In some cases, the cause of thyroid nodules is unknown.  The majority of thyroid nodules are benign (not cancer).
Back to top

Symptoms

Thyroid nodules may or may not cause symptoms.  Large nodules that put pressure on neck structures can cause breathing problems, voice changes, pain, swallowing difficulties, or goiter.  Thyroid nodules can also cause symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Back to top

Diagnosis

You should contact your doctor if you notice a lump in your neck.  Otherwise, a thyroid examination should be part of your yearly physical examination.  If your doctor suspects that you have a nodule, specific tests will be used to collect more information.
 
Common blood tests include the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) assay and the thyroxine (T4) measurement.  The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) assay is used to determine if the thyroid gland is functioning properly.  It can help identify what is contributing to an underactive thyroid gland.  The thyroxine (T4) measurement assesses thyroid functioning by testing how much T4 is in the blood.  If the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) assay and the thyroxine (T4) measurement are not normal, an antithyroid antibody test is used to determine the presence of Hashimoto’s Disease.
 
A thyroid ultrasound or a thyroid scan and radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test are used to detect problems, identify how the thyroid gland is functioning, and specify areas that are overactive or underactive.  Further, it can determine if thyroid nodules or possible cancer are present.  If cancer is suspected, a needle biopsy of the nodule will be performed to examine the cells.
Back to top

Treatment

Some thyroid nodules do not require treatment and are simply monitored.  Some nodules go away without treatment.  In other cases, supplemental hormone medication may be needed to correct thyroid function.  Nodules that cause symptoms may be reduced with laser therapy, injections, and radioactive iodine treatments.  Cancerous nodules are surgically removed.
Back to top

Am I at Risk

Thyroid nodules occur more frequently in women than in men.  The risk of developing a thyroid nodule increases with age.  Other risk factors include:

•  A family history of thyroid cancer
•  Prior radiation treatment or radiation exposure to the head and neck
•  Iodine deficiency.  This is more common in  parts of the world where diets are low in salt.
•  Thyroid hormone suppression
•  Hashimoto’s disease, a type of thyroid disease

Back to top

Complications

Thyroid nodules can affect the way the thyroid gland functions and lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. 
Back to top

Copyright © 2025 - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

Footer

female medical provider talking with patient

Ready to Take Charge of Your Health?

Skip the wait—schedule your appointment online in minutes! Click below to choose a time that works best for you.
Book Now

woman hands typing on a computer

Palm Primary Care Blog

Stay informed about our physicians' activities and stay updated on the latest health news relevant to you.
READ OUR BLOG

female hand on a cellphone showing a map

Find a Location

Find the closest Palm Primary Care location near you.
FIND A LOCATION

female medical provider talking with patient

Services

Our services encompass a wide range of medical providers, delivering exceptional medical, and psychological care.
LEARN MORE

5 Stars Review

Dr. Caivano was great very knowledgeable, helpful, and explained everything in detail. New patient friendly they even introduced the other doctors to you in the event you ever have to be seen by them as a back. Staff is very professional and friendly. Best first impression ever.

Christopher M.

5 Stars Review

Dr. Hussey has a wonderful bedside manner. She is always very informative and is amazing at listening to my concerns and getting to the bottom of it. The staff is always very positive and helpful! I would recommend this office 100%.

Steve S.

5 Stars Review

Dr. Byrd is most liked doctor I have met. He cares about he’s patients and yes I would recommend him highly to everyone.

Emily K.

5 Stars Review

Dr. Mo continues to take great care of myself and my husband! She is resourceful and compassionate. During clinic hours, she is amazing but her additional follow-up and care is what sets her apart. SHE IS THE BEST and so is her office staff! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Charlotte F.

5 Stars Review

All the staff have been very kind with each visit.

Royal

Previous Next
Palm Primary Care Texas

Palm Primary Care throughout Texas offers value-based medical services including Primary Care, Diagnostic Services, Case Management & Clinical Care, Transportation, Telemedicine, Patient Resources, and Caregivers support.

  • Home
  • Accessibility Statement
  • HIPAA Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Copyright © 2025 · Palm Primary Care · All Rights Reserved