What is the treatment for thyroid nodules?
Because of the difficulty in distinguishing follicular adenomas from follicular cancers, patients with either of these two types of nodules, other nodules that are highly suspicious for cancerous, and, of course, with definite cancer, should undergo surgery if they are healthy enough to withstand surgery. Most thyroid cancers are curable and rarely cause life-threatening problems. Any nodule not removed needs to be watched closely with an examination and follow-up with the physician every 6-12 months. This follow-up may involve a physical examination, ultrasound examination, or both. Occasionally, a physician may attempt to shrink the nodule by using suppressive doses of thyroid hormone. Some physicians believe that if a nodule shrinks on suppressive therapy, it is more likely to be benign, and if the nodule continues to grow regardless of suppressive therapy, surgery should be considered strongly. The value of suppressive therapy, however, is controversial. If a nodule is causing hype
