Thyroid Disease and Treatment

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of the neck. It is responsible for secreting thyroid hormones, which play crucial roles in metabolism. An underactive or overactive thyroid can lead to significant health problems.

What is Goiter?

Goiter refers to the enlargement of the thyroid gland. This enlargement can be diffuse or nodular in nature. A nodule refers to a lump. Nodules can occur singularly or in multiples. Goiter is considered a benign condition of the thyroid gland. Some thyroid nodules may secrete hormones, while others may be silent. Goiter is more commonly observed in women.

What are the Causes of Goiter?

The main causes of goiter include:

Iodine deficiency
Overactivity of the thyroid gland
Underactivity of the thyroid gland
Nodules within the thyroid gland
Thyroid cancer
Inflammation of the thyroid gland
Radiation
Certain medications
Genetics
Smoking

What are the Symptoms of Goiter?

Goiter may show no symptoms in some patients. In others, symptoms can include swelling in the neck, pain, difficulty swallowing, coughing, and breathing difficulties. Symptoms may arise depending on whether the thyroid gland is underactive or overactive. If the thyroid is overactive, symptoms such as palpitations, irritability, diarrhea, weight loss, insomnia, and headaches may occur. In cases of underactivity, symptoms can include weight gain, excessive sleeping, constipation, dry skin, and hair loss. This condition, commonly known as toxic goiter, results from excessive hormone secretion by the thyroid gland.

How is Goiter Diagnosed?

Goiter is diagnosed through thyroid tests and ultrasound performed after the physician detects swelling. If necessary, scintigraphy and thyroid gland biopsy may be conducted.

Goiter Surgery

Surgery performed on the thyroid gland is called a thyroidectomy, which means the surgical removal of the thyroid gland. This surgery can involve the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. In cases of thyroid cancer, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed.

Potential problems during goiter surgeries include damage to the vocal cords and accidental removal of the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are responsible for maintaining calcium balance in the body. Therefore, the removal of the parathyroid glands can lower calcium levels in the blood, requiring calcium and vitamin D supplementation for the patient. If the nerves leading to the vocal cords are damaged, hoarseness may occur post-surgery.

Thyroid Cancers

Cancer can be found in 4-20% of nodules seen in the thyroid gland. Generally, malignant nodules are singular, tend to grow, and are hard. Thyroid cancers are classified into four types: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. The anaplastic type, which is the most aggressive, typically occurs in older age.

Fine needle biopsy and scintigraphy are used in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. The nodule or thyroid gland that is surgically removed can be pathologically examined to diagnose cancer. Surgical methods and radiotherapy are used in the treatment of thyroid cancers.

Last Updated Date: 19 June 2018

Publication Date: 19 June 2018