Nodular goiter of thyroid gland: causes, symptoms and methods of treatment

Nodular goiter of the thyroid gland is a fairly common problem, which is often encountered in modern endocrinology practice. But it is worthwhile to understand that "goiter" is a generalized concept that indicates the presence in the tissues of the thyroid gland, which in turn can be both relatively harmless benign, and malignant neoplasms.

Why there is nodular goiter of the thyroid gland?

In fact, the causes of nodes and seals in the tissues of the thyroid are not always known. In some cases, doctors associate such a disease with a deficiency of iodine. And the deficit of this element can be caused both by its insufficient quantity in food, and by the use of products and medicines, which slow down the processes of its assimilation in the body. There are also facts confirming that the appearance of seals can be associated with radioactive irradiation. Genetic heredity also takes place. The risk factors include thyroid cysts, as well as inflammatory processes in the gland tissues.

Nodular goiter of the thyroid: the main symptoms

In fact, the clinical picture can be different depending on the form of the disease. For example, toxic diffuse-nodular goiter of the thyroid gland is accompanied by an increase in the secretory activity of the organ, which affects the amount of hormones produced. In such cases, the symptoms are very noticeable: increased sweating, irritability, heart palpitations, insomnia, disruption of the digestive tract.

At the same time, the nodal nontoxic goiter of the thyroid gland can not cause any external symptoms at all, since there are no hormonal disturbances in this form of the disease. Quite often the problem is discovered accidentally during palpation of the thyroid gland during medical examination or during the ultrasound process. The main signs appear only in the case of a strong and rapid proliferation of nodes, patients complain of a persistent hoarseness and a feeling of squeezing the throat. In some cases, there is also discomfort and soreness during a conversation or swallowing. With a strong increase in the struma, a subcutaneous bulge is visible on the neck.

Nodular goiter of the thyroid gland and methods of diagnosis

Of course, you can confirm the presence of nodules and seals with the help of ultrasound. Such testing also makes it possible to determine the number, size and location of the nodes. In addition, it is necessary to donate blood to the definition of hormones to find out whether the neoplasm affects the main functions of the thyroid gland. Obligatory is biopsy of the gland with further cytological examination of samples, this is the only way to know if the tumor is malignant.

Nodular goiter of thyroid gland and methods of treatment

In fact, therapy depends on the form and cause of the disease. For example, in toxic goiter, where there is a change in the level of hormones, it is necessary to take special hormonal drugs. If the nodules are small and do not affect the activity of the gland in any way, doctors can recommend a special diet and regular supervision. In the case of rapid growth neoplasm used surgical methods of treatment.