Thyroid Cysts and Shortness of Breath: Causes & What to Expect

Thyroid cysts, or nodules, are liquid-filled lumps that develop on your thyroid gland. According to the American Thyroid Association, the majority of people with thyroid cysts do not have any accompanying symptoms. However, untreated thyroid nodules can become symptomatic, causing breathing problems.

Significance

• According to the American Thyroid Association, it is estimated that one in 10 people has a thyroid cyst. Cancer is the cause of approximately 5 percent of all thyroid cysts, reports thyroid-info.com.

Origins

• Although the majority of thyroid cysts are non-cancerous, the cause is not fully understood, explains the American Thyroid Association. Thyroid nodules may be hereditary, a result of an autoimmune disorder, or associated with another type of thyroid disorder.

Symptoms

• Thyroid cysts can cause your thyroid to enlarge, or become a goiter, which causes pressure on the windpipe. According to thyroid-info.com, shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties may occur.

Treatment

• Benign thyroid cysts are usually suppressed with medication. However, if the nodules are so large to cause shortness of breath your doctor may recommend surgical removal of all or part of your thyroid gland.

Prognosis

• If your thyroid gland is surgically removed, you will be placed on thyroid hormone replacements for life in order to make up for the lack of hormones present.