|
| |
It is not clear what causes thyroid nodules. However, it thought
that certain thyroid cells in a localized site of the thyroid
gland grow and divide faster than normal thyroid cells. When this
occurs in several sites at the same time, multiple nodules appear,
and the condition is referred to as a multinodular goiter.
There is an increased incidence of thyroid nodules in patients
who have been exposed to radiation. If you received radiation
treatments as a child for conditions, such as acne, tonsillitis,
or an enlarged thymus gland, you are at an increased risk of developing
thyroid nodules. Furthermore, these nodules are more likely to
be cancerous than nodules found in patients who did not receive
such treatments. Similarly, if you have received radiation therapy
to the head, neck, and chest area for cancer, such as Hodgkin's
disease, you are at a greater risk of developing thyroid nodules.
|
|