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Metastasis to the lymph nodes is common at the time of diagnosis.
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Exposure to nuclear power plant accidents (for example, the 1986 nuclear power plant explosion in Cherynobyl), or radioactive particles released into the air during atomic weapons testing also increases the risk. People who had these treatments have an increased risk. Babies, children and teenagers were treated with radiation for birthmarks, acne or enlarged tonsils in the 1940s and 1950s. Radiation exposure to the head or neck.Nodules are more likely to form in people who have chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. Woman develop nodules more often than men The risk of developing a nodule increases as you age. If a parent or sibling had a thyroid nodule, the chance of developing a nodule is increased The exact reason nodules grow in the thyroid gland is not known. Finding a lump in the neck should be brought to the attention of your physician, even in the absence of symptoms. Occasionally, the lump may cause a feeling of pressure or shortness of breath. Other patients feel a gradually enlarging lump in the front portion of the neck or have difficulty swallowing or speaking. A lump on the thyroid gland may be found by chance on a routine physical exam or an imaging study of the neck done for unrelated reasons. Many patients with thyroid cancer have no symptoms whatsoever.
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