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Characteristics of thyroid nodules causing globus symptoms
Inn-Chul Nam1, Hoon Choi, Eun-Sook Kim
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St. Mary`s Hospital, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 137-701, Republic of Korea.
Summary
Thyroid nodules can cause a globus sensation, often mistaken for reflux. Larger nodules (over 3 cm) and those anterior to the trachea are more likely to cause these symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Globus sensation is a common otolaryngologic complaint, frequently attributed to laryngopharyngeal reflux.
- Thyroid nodules are an underrecognized cause of globus symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific ultrasonographic and clinicopathological characteristics of thyroid nodules associated with globus sensation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 175 patients with single thyroid nodules.
- Exclusion of other globus causes via questionnaires, laryngoscopy, and psychiatric screening.
- Comparison of ultrasonographic and clinicopathological parameters between patients with and without globus symptoms.
Main Results:
- Thyroid nodule size and horizontal location significantly differed between groups.
- Nodules larger than 3 cm showed a tendency to cause globus.
- Nodules located anterior to the trachea, particularly those entirely anterior, were more associated with globus.
Conclusions:
- Specific thyroid nodule characteristics (size >3 cm, anterior location) are linked to globus sensation.
- These findings aid in patient counseling regarding thyroid nodules.
- Conservative management or thyroidectomy may alleviate globus symptoms caused by thyroid nodules.
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