Thyroid Nodule: How to Care for Your Child
A thyroid nodule is a lump in the thyroid (a gland in the neck that makes hormones). Most thyroid nodules don't affect how the thyroid works and don't need treatment.
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If your health care provider prescribed medicine:
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Give it exactly as instructed.
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Ask if your child needs to take it on an empty stomach.
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Check to see if your child needs to make any diet changes.
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Be sure to tell your health care provider if your child starts any new medicines, vitamins, or dietary supplements.
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Support your child's overall well-being by helping them:
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Eat a healthy diet with whole-grain breads and cereals, lean meats like chicken and other good sources of protein (such as fish, eggs, beans, and nuts), and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
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Be physically active every day.
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Be sure your child goes to all follow-up visits for exams, blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels, procedures, and medicine changes (if needed).
Your child:
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is very sleepy, agitated, or confused, or has a seizure
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is shaking or sweaty, or has a very fast heartbeat
What causes thyroid nodules? The cause of most thyroid nodules isn't known. They're more common in people who have had radiation treatments for cancer, have other family members with nodules, or who don't get enough iodine in their diet (this is rare in the U.S. because most people get enough iodine from their diet).
What are the different types of thyroid nodules? Thyroid nodules can be a:
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small area of inflammation (swelling) of the thyroid from an infection or other thyroid problem
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cyst (fluid-filled pocket)
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non-cancerous (benign) tumor or, much less often, a cancerous tumor
How are thyroid nodules treated? Most thyroid nodules in kids don't need treatment because they are benign, don't affect hormone levels, and don't cause symptoms. If treatment is needed, it usually includes medicine, taking out fluid from the nodule, or surgery.