A thyroid nodule is a lump in the thyroid gland.
The thyroid is a small gland at the front of the neck. It makes hormones that help control energy and growth. A thyroid nodule can be swollen tissue, an overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue, or a collection of fluid called a cyst.
Most thyroid nodules in kids and teens are harmless. Some people with thyroid nodules have pain in the front of the neck or feel like they have a lump in the throat.
Rarely, a thyroid nodule can be a sign of thyroid cancer. However, thyroid cancer is uncommon in kids and teens. Even when cancer is the cause, the results of treatment are usually excellent.
Thyroid nodules don't always need treatment. Most go away on their own. In some cases, the doctor may shrink a thyroid cyst by removing fluid from it with a needle, recommend surgery to remove the nodule, or prescribe medicine.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
