Hyperthyroidism?!
Question:
Hyperthyroidism?
A month ago it was determined that I had slight hyperthyroidism (by a 0.5 deviation from normal values -- not a very large one as described by my doctor) and an ultrasound scan has determined the presence of a 'cold' nodule. So my question is if this cold nodule is not producing extra hormones, then what is the cause of the hyperthyroidism... and what can be done about both, the hyperthyroidism and the cold nodule.
thanks!
Answers:
Hyperthyroidism is a condition of overproduction of thyroid hormone by thyroid gland. As a result, increased level of circulating thyroid hormone causes those with the disease to have high heart rate, feeling hot, lose weight, agitated and hyper. There are a number of causes, including viral infection, autoimmune, metabolic. However, the specific reasons for many hyperthyroidism is not known. Treatment for mild hyperthyroidism is watch and wait. For more severe form, radioactive iodine was used to kill the thyroid gland, then thyroid hormone is replaced thereafter.
As for cold nodule, it is a piece of thyroid tissue that is not making thyroid hormone, whereas the hot nodule is an area that makes too much thyroid hormone. Whereas hot nodules are mostly non-cancerous, some of the cold nodules can be cancerous or potentially be cancerous. The cold nodules need to be biopsied with needle by specialists.
Hyperthyroidism and cold nodules are related in most cases.