Hot or ColdSome thyroid nodules mak

Hot or ColdSome thyroid nodules make extra thyroid hormone. Physicianssometimes call these “hot” nodules. Making too much thyroid hormone is called hyperthyroidism. People with hyperthyroidism canfeel anxious, overly warm, and shaky. Patients often lose weight andfeel tired. Hot nodules have a very low risk of cancer.Most thyroid nodules do not make extra thyroid hormone.Physicians sometimes call these “cold” thyroid nodules. Patientsusually do not notice nodules when they are small. When nodulesare very big, they can push on the trachea or esophagus, causingpressure or discomfort. Cold nodules do have a small risk of thyroid cancer.Testing for Thyroid CancerNeck ultrasonography is the best tool for lookingat the sizeand shapeof the thyroid nodule. Size is important. Except in special cases, nodules smaller than 1 centimeter (less than about half an inch) shouldnot be biopsied.Many nodules do not need a biopsy. Some aremonitored with follow-up ultrasonography.If the nodule looks like it may contain a cancer, the next step isto perform a fine-needle aspiration biopsy. A thin needle is used toremove some of the cells out of the thyroid nodule. A pathologistwill test the sample and give results, usually labeling it as benign,indeterminate, suspicious for, or positive for a cancer.