Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 7:33PM EST

Introduction to Thyroid Cancer

Benign Thyroid Nodules

Benign thyroid nodules are non-cancerous thyroid tumors that develop from thyroid follicular cells. Approximately 90% of all thyroid nodules that are discovered are benign. Examples of benign thyroid nodules include hyperplastic nodules and thyroid adenomas. Although these types of thyroid nodules are not cancerous, they do secrete thyroid hormones that can lead to hyperthyroidism. In some cases, surgical removal of thyroid nodules may be necessary to stop the excess production of thyroid hormones and control the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.