Treating Nodules & Goiter

If you have one or more nodules and no cancer is present, you may take thyroid hormone pills to help keep the nodules from getting larger. Dr. Klotch can monitor any change in the size of nodules by physical exam or by using ultrasound.

If a nodule grows very large, interferes with breathing or swallowing, or is cancerous, a thyroidectomy may be performed. Goiters which extend below the collar bone into the chest (substernal) generally require removal. CT scans may be ordered to evaluate the extent of the growth and the amount of compression of the windpipe (trachea) and food pipe (esophagus). Enlarging goiters that do not get smaller with other treatment are recommended for surgical removal.

After thyroid surgery, you may need to take thyroid hormone pills to maintain normal thyroid hormone levels.