Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps or bumps on the thyroid. The thyroid gland makes hormones which regulate metabolism, heart rate, and other systems in the body. A nodule forms when cells grow out of control and form a lump.
Most thyroid nodules aren’t cancerous, and may not need treatment. Providers may want to closely monitor them to make sure they do not become a more serious issue.
Types of nodules can include; Toxic nodules where too much thyroid hormone is made, and hyperthyroidism may develop making the metabolism speed up. Multinodular goiters also makes too much thyroid hormone, they usually have several nodes which may press on surrounding structures. Thyroid cysts are full of fluid and may happen as a result of an injury.