What are the clinical features of nodular goiter?

Nodular goiter generally has no functional changes, so there are no systemic symptoms. Typical and large nodular goiter is characterized by diffuse enlargement of bilateral thyroid gland, medium mass, smooth surface, palpable nodules and moving up and down with swallowing. Sometimes multiple (or single) nodules are palpated on one or both sides of swollen glands; Nodules can be cystic, and if complicated with intracapsular hemorrhage, nodules can be enlarged in a short time.

Generally, enlarged nodules become smaller within 2 months due to absorption, and a few can be completely absorbed to form small nodules. Small nodules are often misdiagnosed as thyroid cancer because the solid components in nodules often have calcified images after liquid absorption. Therefore, it is necessary to combine the patient's previous color Doppler ultrasound to judge the nature of the nodule.