Thyroid Nodules | Treatment


How are thyroid nodules treated?

Some patients who have small benign nodules may choose watchful waiting. This is not a form of active treatment but rather an observation period. The nodule may go away on its own or stay the same size. Patients treated this way should be checked by their doctor every 6 months to monitor the growth of the nodule. As long as the nodule does not grow, there's usually no need to worry. Other forms of treatment include taking hormones or radioactive iodine to shrink the nodules or injecting the nodules with ethyl alcohol (ethanol) to shrink the nodules. If a nodule is cancerous or grows despite hormone pill treatment, surgery to remove the nodule may be needed.


Thyroid Nodules by MJ Welker, MD; D Orlov, MS, CNP (American Family Physician February 01, 2003,

Written by editorial staff

Reviewed/Updated: 04/14
Created: 04/03