Thyroid cysts arethyroid nodulesthat contain liquid.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for a thyroid cyst.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
What Is a Thyroid Cyst?
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
Acystis a closed pocket of tissue, often filled with liquid or air.
Fluid-Filled Cysts
These thyroid cysts are filled entirely with liquid, like pus.
These are almost always benign, or noncancerous.
They are more likely than fluid-filled cysts to be cancerous.
The likelihood of cancer depends on the composition of the cyst.
What Causes a Thyroid Cyst?
What are the Symptoms of a Thyroid Cyst?
In most cases, people with a thyroid cyst do not experience any symptoms.
In fact, this is true of most kinds of thyroid nodules.
These symptoms can include:
Some patients also experience pain in the neck or feel the lump.
Lump in the Throat or Adam’s Apple?
How is a Thyroid Cyst Diagnosised?
Testing will determine whether the cyst is fluid-filled or complex, and whether its benign or cancerous.
Ultrasound
Thyroid cysts are often detected duringultrasounds.
An ultrasound can provide important information on the composition of a cyst.
This is because materials of different densitylike solids and liquidsshow up as different shades on the ultrasound.
A radiologist will get an idea of the cysts composition just by reading the image.
The healthcare provider will also determine the size and location of the cyst.
Thats important because larger cysts are more likely to be cancerous or to be causing symptoms.
If you need a thyroid scan, youll take aradioactive iodine pill.
Practitioners will take a picture of your thyroid function by tracking the iodine as it moves through your thyroid.
Warning
If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not undergo any testing with radioactive elements.
How is a Thyroid Cyst Treated?
However, if the cyst is drained, it will recur 60% to 90% of the time.
Surgery
In rare cases, your practitioner might recommend surgery to remove the thyroid or cyst.
This is most often used for large cysts or those causing symptoms.
Summary
Almost all thyroid cysts are benign.
However, occasionally complex thyroid cysts might be cancerous.
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