Nodules are solid, raised bumps on the skin, that are usually greater than 10 millimeters in diameter. Nodules can occur on many different parts of the body such as the lungs, throat, breast, liver, fingers, vocal chords, and thyroid gland.
Most nodules are non cancerous and usually don't cause symptoms. However, if a nodule begins to change in shape, size, or appearance, your doctor may recommend further testing - such as a CT scan, positron emission tomography scan or tissue biopsy - to determine if it is cancerous.
Nodules On Vocal Cords
Vocal cord nodules appear as callous-like bumps. They can form on one or both of the cords. They are usually located on the front part of the vocal cord, and can range in size from a pinhead to the size of a split pea. Abuse of the voice is usually the cause of nodules forming on the vocal cords. Abuse of the voice may consist of the use of an incorrect pitch, excessive shouting, screaming cheering or crying.
Lung nodules
Lung nodules are small masses of tissue in the lung. These types of nodules are quite common. They will appear as round, white shadows on a chest X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) scan.
Nodules On Fingers
Lumps on the pads of the fingers may develop as a result of a disease called bacterial endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart valves. Although the appearance of these nodules on the fingers usually occurs within the course of the disease, these nodules can be evident as the very first symptom of a disease.
Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are small lumps that commonly arise within an otherwise normal thyroid gland. Often these abnormal growths of thyroid tissue are located at the edge of the thyroid gland and they may be felt as a lump in the throat. When these lumps are large or when they occur in very thin individuals, they can sometimes be seen as a lump in the front of the neck. Most of these are benign, but a small percentage can be cancerous. So you should always have a nodule evaluated by your physician as soon as you notice its appearance.
Liver Nodules
Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a condition in which a nodule, composed of a central scar tissue and clumps of surrounding liver cells, is found within the liver. The size of this nodule is varied. In most cases, FNH does not cause symptoms and is usually found only when the patient has an imaging study of the abdomen (ultrasound or CT scan) for another reason.
Jackie Beck
Author Bio
Jackie Beck is the owner and founder of Healing Combinations.
Healing Combinations can help reduce nodules. They produce natural remedies for common emotional and physical issues using Bach Flower combinations. The healing combination for nodules is designed to help you overcome the underlying cause of nodules. It is available at Healingcombinations.com. Think of it as an affirmation for your soul.
