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Pediatric Thyroid Nodules

Dallas

214-456-5959
Fax: 214-456-5963

Plano

469-303-2400
Fax: 469-303-2407

Park Cities

469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001

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What are Pediatric Thyroid Nodules?

Thyroid nodules are growths or lumps in your thyroid gland. Most thyroid nodules are not cancerous; however, in some children, they are an indication of thyroid cancer. These benign masses are usually soft and compressible and are found during a routine examination.

What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Thyroid Nodules?

Many children with thyroid nodules do not have any symptoms, so the nodules are initially discovered during a routine physical exam. For those who do have symptoms, they may include:

How are Pediatric Thyroid Nodules diagnosed?

There are several methods for diagnosing thyroid nodules. Your child’s doctor may use a combination of these methods:

  • History and physical exam
  • Urine test
  • Blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels
  • Ultrasound (a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to take pictures of the thyroid)
  • Fine needle biopsy (removal of a small amount of thyroid tissue using a thin needle; the tissue is later examined under a microscope. Repeated biopsies may be necessary.)

What are the causes of Pediatric Thyroid Nodules?

The exact cause of thyroid nodules is unknown. Possible contributors may include:

How are Pediatric Thyroid Nodules treated?

The treatment of thyroid nodules depending on the growth and development of the mass, the radiology findings, and the biopsy results.

Observation

Some nodules with benign pathology may be observed and followed over time. 

Surgery

Other nodules may need to be surgically removed. Surgery includes removing part or all of the thyroid gland. This is recommend if the child <13 year of age, nodules that grow over time, nodules causing difficulty breathing or swallowing, or if the pathology is concerning.

Medication

For patients who have had their thyroid gland removed, they may need to take thyroid replacement medication: an oral medication taken after surgery to replace the hormones that your child’s body will no longer be able to produce.

Radioactive iodine treatment

If the mass is cancer, patients may need radioactive iodine treatment. Radioactive iodine treatment involves taking a pill that targets and kills any remaining thyroid tissue left after surgery.

Chemotherapy or external radiation

In rare cases chemotherapy or external radiation may be required to treat extensive or residual disease.

Pediatric Thyroid Nodules Doctors and Providers