Is thyroid nodule dangerous? How old is it?

Thyroid gland is the largest endocrine gland in human body. Brown-red, divided into two leaves, connected in the middle (called isthmus), in an "H" shape, located in front of the upper part of the trachea at the lower part of the larynx. The size of normal thyroid gland varies with age, sex and individual: the weight of normal adult thyroid gland is about 15 ~ 30 g, the width of both leaves is about 2cm, the height is 4 ~ 5 cm, the isthmus is 2cm and the height is 2 cm; The thyroid gland of women is slightly larger than that of men. If the thyroid thickness is greater than 15mm, the left-right diameter is greater than 20mm, and the isthmus thickness is greater than 4mm, it indicates that the thyroid gland is enlarged. Under normal circumstances, because the thyroid gland is very small and thin, it can neither be seen nor touched in the neck.

So what is a thyroid nodule? How is the size range defined?

Generally speaking, a thyroid nodule is a lump on the thyroid gland, which may be one or more, big or small. In fact, nodules are only morphological descriptions. Thyroid adenoma, thyroid cyst, thyroid tumor, nodular goiter, thyroid cancer, etc. Can be manifested as multiple (multiple) or single (single) nodules on the thyroid gland. Therefore, after the physical examination finds nodules, we must first clarify the nature of nodules.

How big is the thyroid nodule? How old do you need surgery?

Many patients think that the size of thyroid nodules is the standard to judge whether thyroid nodules are serious or not, but this understanding is one-sided. There is no direct relationship between the severity of thyroid nodules and their size. In recent years, the number of patients with thyroid microcarcinoma has increased year by year. Most of the nodules in patients with thyroid microcarcinoma are smaller than 65438±0cm, and the diagnosis according to the nodule size may delay the treatment opportunity.

As for how big the thyroid nodule needs surgery, it depends not only on the size of the nodule, but also on whether the thyroid nodule is benign or malignant. In general, if the benign thyroid nodules are more than 3mm, we suggest minimally invasive surgery as soon as possible. The earlier the benign nodules are treated, the easier it is to cure and the lower the cost. Minimally invasive surgery for thyroid nodules does not require surgery, with little trauma, no scar after operation, short hospitalization time, only 1-2 days, and will not affect normal work and life. However, if the benign nodules are not treated in time, the condition deteriorates to a certain extent, or even becomes cancerous, they can only be surgically removed according to the surgical method of cancer to remove cancer cells. By then, the disease will not only be completely cured, but patients will also face high treatment costs. Therefore, it is suggested that the majority of patients and friends should be treated early if they are sick, and don't bury hidden dangers for a healthy life in the future!