Thyroid nodules and cysts
An overview of Providence Health Care's services and resources for patients with thyroid nodules and cysts.
Overview
Thyroid nodules are lumps in or on your thyroid gland. They can be solid or filled with fluid. If the nodules contain fluid, they are called thyroid cysts.
Your thyroid gland sits at the front of your neck, below your Adam’s apple. It makes the thyroid hormone, which helps your body use energy and stay warm. The hormone also affects your brain, heart and muscles.
Thyroid nodules are common. They usually are not serious and often benign (not cancerous).
Sometimes, a thyroid nodule makes too much thyroid hormone. When this happens, it is called hyperthyroidism.
Most people with thyroid nodules do not have symptoms. A health care provider may find the nodules during a routine check-up. Or, they may find them during an imaging test for another condition.
Some larger nodules are visible and look like a lump in the neck. If a thyroid nodule is very large, it can press against your trachea (windpipe) or esophagus (food pipe). This makes breathing or eating difficult.
Diagnosis & testing
If your health care provider suspects you have thyroid nodules or cysts, they may refer you to a thyroid surgeon. Or, they may send you to the Thyroid Clinic at St. Paul's Hospital. This clinic specializes in diagnosing and managing thyroid disorders.
During your visit, the doctor checks your thyroid with a physical exam. They also ask about your medical history, symptoms and any changes in your health.
They will likely ask you to take the following tests:
Treatment & management
The treatment we recommend depends on your unique thyroid nodule or cyst. We consider whether it is producing symptoms and whether it's large or small.
Common approaches include:
Clinics that treat hyperthyroidism
Support services
Providence Health Care offers a variety of services to support those we care for. The following services may be of use or benefit to you and your families.
Support for Indigenous Peoples
The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.
Education & resources
Patient education
- Going Home after Thyroidectomy Surgery
- Guidelines for Outpatients Receiving Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Hyperthyroidism
- Information for Patients Having a Thyroid Uptake and Scan (multiple languages)
- Instructions After Thyroid Surgery
- Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery: Your Guide to Recovery
- Ultrasound-Guided Thyroid Biopsy
- Voice and Swallowing after Thyroid Surgery
Clinical trials & research
Advances in treatments for thyroid nodules and cysts are all thanks to medical research. While participating in research is a decision you should make in consultation with your care team, there is much activity in this field. Please ask us about our research programs if you’re interested.
By taking part in research, you can help us all learn more about advancing health outcomes and find better ways to help people live and thrive. Even if you don't benefit directly, your participation can help care for future patients.
The following clinical trials are currently enrolling volunteers. Please ask your care team for more information. You can also contact the research team listed on each study or trial. For other information about research at Providence Health Care, please visit Providence Research.
Medical & professional referrals
Your family doctor or a walk-in clinic can refer you to the Thyroid Clinic at St. Paul's Hospital.