What could cause thyroid nodules?

1. What Could Cause Thyroid Nodules? A thyroid nodule is an irregular growth of thyroid cells in the thyroid gland. The thyroid is part of the endocrine system which consists of glands that release different hormones into the bloodstream. The thyroid is an organ shaped like a butterfly that is located on the front of the neck. The thyroid gland is made up of the left and right lobes connected to the isthmus. It produces and secretes thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones manage functions like digestion, body temperature and heart functions. Thyroid Cancer Causes Usually, normal thyroid tissues begin to grow, thus causing one or multiple nodules to develop. Thyroid cancer is the main concern when these nodules develop but the chances of it happening are less because cancer is found in less than 5 per cent of all nodules. Nodules are formed more often in people who have a family history of nodules and in people who do not get sufficient iodine. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormones to develop. Even though the chances of thyroid cancer are low, one of the major causes of thyroid canceris when cells in your thyroid undergo genetic changes. The changes make way for the cells to develop and multiply rapidly. The cells also lose the ability to die, unlike the normal cells. The growing irregular cells can infect nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. In many cases, thyroid cancer is surgically removed whereas in some cases, lymph nodes may need to be removed as well. Sometimes, radioactive iodine is needed post-surgery to get rid of microscopic thyroid tissue.