Thyroid nodules are a common and natural part of aging that can affect around 50% of the population across different age groups and up to 70% of older adults, according to specialists interviewed on "CNN Sinais Vitais - Dr. Kalil Entrevista" airing this Saturday.
The programme's host, Roberto Kalil, spoke with Suemi Marui, an endocrinologist and head of the Thyroid Unit at Hospital das Clinicas FMUSP, and Rosa Paula Biscolla, an endocrinologist and professor at the Escola Paulista de Medicina at the Federal University of Sao Paulo, to address common questions about the thyroid, a gland responsible for producing hormones essential to the body's functioning.
Despite how common thyroid nodules are, only 5% to 10% of cases turn out to be malignant tumors, Biscolla said. She noted that thyroid cancer usually does not cause symptoms.
Biscolla said people should be alert if they notice a hard nodule that has grown quickly in recent weeks, or if there are lumps in the neck, hoarseness or difficulty swallowing.
Hereditary Risk and Genetic Testing
The most common type of thyroid tumor, papillary or follicular carcinoma, accounts for 85% of diagnoses and is only considered hereditary when it affects at least three relatives. Medullary thyroid carcinoma is rarer and more aggressive, with a higher tendency toward early metastasis, and has a genetic origin in 25% of cases.
Biscolla said that when a patient is diagnosed with medullary carcinoma, they need to undergo genetic testing, and if a mutation is found, all first-degree relatives should be tested as well.
Thyroid Problems More Common in Women
During the programme, the specialists explained the main thyroid disorders and their symptoms, noting that these conditions are more common in women.
In hypothyroidism, the metabolism slows down, leading to slower thinking, fluid retention, poor memory and a reduced heart rate. However, the specialists said weight gain is not always present and should not be blamed in isolation.
Rosa said that not everyone with hypothyroidism gains weight, and when a patient complains of weight gain, doctors need to investigate the thyroid but also consider lifestyle habits, age, a sedentary routine and menopause.
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
In hyperthyroidism, the body speeds up. The first signs are usually irritability, excessive sweating, muscle weakness, bulging eyes and marked weight loss, even when the person is eating more than usual. The doctors said arrhythmia and tachycardia are critical warning signs.
The specialists said some arrhythmias need to be investigated to rule out the thyroid as a cause, adding that incorrect dosing of thyroid medication can also trigger these symptoms.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
The programme also covered Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune inflammation in which the immune system stops recognizing the thyroid and begins producing antibodies against it. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, though having the disease does not mean a patient will immediately develop a hormone deficiency.
The specialists also discussed the need for iodine supplementation, particularly during pregnancy, and the main treatment options for thyroid disorders.
"CNN Sinais Vitais - Dr. Kalil Entrevista" airs this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on CNN Brasil.
