Swollen necks are a symptom that can create anxiety for many patients. Neck swelling refers to any enlargement in the neck that can be visually discomforting. Neck swelling can be minor and have no consequence, or it might even be a symptom of a major underlying health issue. Under such circumstances, it might be extremely important for a person to know and understand the differences between different causes of neck swelling so that they can determine if and when to visit the doctor in order to get a detailed analysis of their condition. In this article, we will discuss in detail the causes of neck swelling.
What exactly are thyroid nodules?
Thyroid Nodules are lumps that arise in the thyroid gland. While it is more common that these lumps are benign, if there is even a single lump in a person, it should never go unattended. Although the cause is unknown, thyroid nodules and enlargement is much more common in women than in men. This also seems to increase as people age. The lump in a gland may also increase for women during pregnancy. The risk for developing goitre seems to double at 40 years old. In addition, those with other diseases like insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome have a more pronounced risk of developing thyroid enlargement at any age.
The most common types of thyroid nodules are:
- Single Nodule : It is one sole thyroid nodule or solitary thyroid nodules that are always taken to be benign and non-cancerous. However, when it is hard to rule out the possibility of thyroid cancer, surgery is usually recommended.
- Multiple Nodules : Multinodular goitre or multiple thyroid nodules are a relatively common type of nodule in the Thyroid gland. They generally have no need for any operative surgery. In specific cases, where a patient has swallowing or breathing problems, surgery may be advised.
- Diffuse Goitre : It is mainly caused by autoimmune conditions or dysfunction of the thyroid gland-either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
- Retrosternal Goitre : It may sometimes grow behind the sternum in multinodular goitre,causing pressure on neck veins or surrounding structures.
- Hyperplastic Nodules : They are benign nodules that can also be found as solitary or as part of multinodular goitre. They are only kept under observation and generally do not require any surgical intervention.
- Thyroid Follicular Adenoma : Benign, yet very difficult to differentiate from a malignant thyroid cancer lump. That is why often the lump is surgically removed for such a check-up to prevent later complications.
What is thyroid nodule ablation?
Thyroid Nodule Ablation is an increasingly popular treatment around the world for the thyroid gland neck swelling. This method is minimally invasive, as it uses radio
waves, heat or alcohol to destroy abnormal thyroid tissue and provides long
term relief from symptoms as well as complications of Thyroid nodules. This
treatment has minimal or no incision, and thus no risk of infections or
scarring. It works well for solid and cystic nodules, and offers effective treatment for benign thyroid nodules that is much preferred over surgery.
At Sohana Hospital Mohali, we provide a unique amalgamation of the latest world-class technology and North India’s most trusted interventional radiologists, Thyroid specialist near me and Endocrinologists who provide the most comprehensive and holistic Thyroid Disorders Treatment and Thyroid gland surgery, while ensuring the most compassionate and patient-centric approach. Contact our experts today and take the first step towards a happier and healthier future!