Causes

Thyroid nodules can develop for several reasons, including:

• Overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue (adenoma)
• Thyroid cysts, fluid-filled sacs within the thyroid
• Chronic inflammation such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition
• Iodine deficiency, though rare in countries where iodine is added to salt
• Thyroid cancer, a less common but serious cause

Risk factors

While anyone can develop a thyroid nodule, certain factors may increase your risk:

• Being assigned female at birth
• Age over 60
• A family history of thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer
• History of radiation exposure, especially to the head or neck
• Having an iodine deficiency (more common in certain parts of the world)

Types

Thyroid nodules are categorized based on their structure and function:

• Colloid nodules: Most common and benign, filled with fluid or colloid material
• Cystic nodules: Contain fluid and sometimes solid components
• Inflammatory nodules: Associated with thyroiditis
• Autonomous (toxic) nodules: Produce thyroid hormone independently, possibly causing hyperthyroidism
• Cancerous nodules: May be papillary, follicular, medullary, or anaplastic thyroid cancers

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a thyroid nodule typically involves a combination of:

• Physical examination: Palpation of the neck to detect lumps
• Thyroid function tests: Blood tests to assess hormone levels (TSH, T3, T4)
• Ultrasound imaging: Provides detailed images of the nodule's size and features
• Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken to check for cancer
• Radioactive iodine scan: Assesses whether the nodule is "hot" (overactive) or "cold" (nonfunctioning)

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type, size, symptoms, and whether cancer is suspected.

Medical Monitoring

Watchful waiting - For small, noncancerous nodules, regular follow-ups with imaging and lab tests are often all that’s needed.

Hormone therapy - In select cases, synthetic thyroid hormone may be used to try to shrink nodules.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA is a safe, outpatient procedure that uses a thin, needle-like probe to deliver controlled heat energy directly to the thyroid nodule. This causes the nodule to shrink gradually while preserving normal thyroid function. No surgery or general anesthesia is required.
Learn more about Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Thyroid Nodule Care

Thyroid Artery Embolization
A cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment performed by interventional radiologists. This technique reduces blood supply to the overactive or problematic part of the thyroid gland, allowing it to shrink naturally without affecting healthy thyroid tissue.
Learn more about Thyroid Artery Embolization

Surgical Options

Lobectomy - Removal of one lobe of the thyroid

Total thyroidectomy - Recommended for certain cancerous or large, symptomatic nodules

Why consider treatment for benign nodules?

Relieve compression symptoms: Difficulty swallowing or breathing can significantly impact quality of life.

Avoid unnecessary surgery: Traditional thyroid surgery can involve visible scars, lifelong thyroid hormone replacement, and surgical risks.

Preserve natural thyroid function: Unlike surgery, RFA doesn’t affect the surrounding healthy thyroid tissue.

Improve appearance and comfort: Cosmetically noticeable nodules can be reduced significantly with RFA.

How RIVEA treats thyroid nodules

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA is RIVEA’s primary, non-surgical treatment for shrinking benign thyroid nodules. Guided by ultrasound, this minimally invasive procedure uses a thin, needle-like probe to deliver controlled heat directly to the nodule.

Thyroid Artery Embolization (TAE)
In select cases, RIVEA may also offer TAE. Thyroid Artery Embolization is a cutting-edge, non-surgical procedure performed by expert interventional radiologists. It works by reducing the blood flow to the problematic part of the thyroid gland, prompting it to shrink naturally over time without disrupting the healthy portion of your thyroid.

Why RIVEA