Thyroid (goiter)
Thyroid cysts
Short answer
A thyroid cyst is a fluid-filled cavity inside the gland and is often harmless. Pure cysts are the safest type. Cysts with a solid part in the wall that extends inward (cysts with a mural component), however, need to be investigated and biopsied if necessary. Cysts that cause symptoms or keep refilling can be treated without surgery.
Schematic — not a real scan image
General information
- Symptoms. Large cysts can cause swelling in the neck, pressure, a choking feeling and shortness of breath. Small cysts usually cause no symptoms.
- Decision. Which cyst will be monitored and which will be drained is decided after an individual examination, together with the patient.
In the doctor’s practice
cyst drainage, sclerotherapy and ablation → Cyst drainage, sclerotherapy and ablation.