At least one in 15 women and one in 60 men in the United States have a thyroid nodule that can be felt or, as the doctor may say, be palpated. These nodules are usually clumps of thyroid cells that are growing abnormally within the gland. Thyroid nodules may also be cysts, fluid-filled cavities, or swellings caused by thyroid inflammation. Most thyroid nodules are not cancers and very few will ever interfere with a person's health. However, there are three questions that must be answered whenever a person has a thyroid nodule.
Most thyroid nodules are silent and cause no symptoms.
They are often found incidentally by patients themselves or by doctors during a routine examination. Some nodules may cause pain and tenderness in the front of the neck. Sometimes this pain can seem to come from the jaw or ear. When a thyroid nodule is discovered, it should be evaluated by a doctor who understands the problems that nodules can cause. Endocrinologists are medical doctors who specialize in the care of patients with glandular disorders.