What Causes Nodules?
Nodule is a Latin word that means "knot." Nodules are hard spherical structures that can occur in any part of the body. They tend to occur in men more often than in women. They are usually not painful and show no symptoms. Nodules are usually benign and need no treatment; however they are occurrences when they could be malignant. It is important to consult with your health care provider to determine the proper diagnosis of a nodule.
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Definition
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A nodule is a cluster, a mass or a lump of tissues located on the skin, under the skin or in the body. Nodules inside the body are usually found during a physical examination. There are many different types of nodules such as thyroid nodules, vocal cord nodules and rheumatoid nodules. It is not known what causes the various types of nodules. However the following are contributing factors regarding the types of nodules listed.
Thyroid Nodules
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A thyroid nodule may be caused by radiation treatment during childhood in the head and neck area or, Hashimoto's disease, which is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and hypoactivity of the thyroid. A diet that is deficient in iodine can also be a cause of thyroid nodules as well as a genetic dysfunction of the receptors that release the hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland.
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Vocal Cord Nodules
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Vocal cord nodules are usually caused by abuse of the vocal cords through singing, smoking and allergies. Caffeine and alcohol can also cause dryness of the vocal cords and throat. Loud talking, yelling and cheer leading may also abuse the vocal cords and cause damage resulting in nodules
Rheumatoid Nodules
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The exact cause of rheumatoid nodules is unknown. Twenty five percent of adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis are also diagnosed with nodules. These nodules usually appear on the bony prominences of the knuckles, hands and elbows of these patients.
Mayo Clinic Research
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In an article published in Medical Devices and Surgical Technology Week in February 2009, entitled "Research from Mayo Clinic Provide New insight into Thyroid Nodule" states, "Nodule incidences increases with age and is increased in women, in people with iodine deficiency and after radiation exposure. With widespread use of sensitive imaging in clinical practice, incidental thyroid nodules are being discovered with increasing frequency."
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