Thyroid hyperplasia

Thyroid hyperplasia is an increase in the size of the thyroid gland as a result of some disorders.

An enlarged thyroid gland can accompany a number of diseases.

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Causes thyroid hyperplasia

Since hyperplasia itself is an increase in the number of thyroid cells, it is most often associated with a deficiency of one or another function of the gland. That is, the increase is mainly compensatory in nature. Such compensation most often occurs as a result of a deficiency of certain substances, or as a result of insufficient synthesis of the necessary compounds by the thyroid gland itself.

The most common case is hyperplasia of the thyroid gland due to insufficient iodine intake. In such a situation, when there is a lack of such an important element, there is an insufficient synthesis of thyroid hormones. Thus, in order to obtain as much iodine from the blood as possible, the gland increases.

Also, the reason for the increase in the size of the thyroid gland may be insufficient synthesis of hormones by the gland itself. The reasons for such a deficiency may lie in the violation of iodine absorption, in a number of other disorders of the thyroid gland functions. But in such a situation, the gland tries to compensate for the lack of synthesis of thyroid hormones by increasing its size.

There are also autoimmune causes of thyroid hyperplasia. In particular, when enzymes malfunction, specific substances appear in the blood, degenerations in the thyroid gland may occur. And to maintain normal functioning, the gland itself begins to increase in size.

But in essence, all causes of thyroid hyperplasia are compensatory in nature.

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Symptoms thyroid hyperplasia

Thyroid hyperplasia has different symptoms at different stages of its development. With a small degree of enlargement of the gland, the process is asymptomatic. Although an increase can be detected during an ultrasound examination.

At later stages of development of thyroid hyperplasia, it can already be detected by palpation, and later visually, since due to the increase in the size of the gland, the shape of the neck changes.

In addition to the external signs of hyperplasia, there are other symptoms that indicate these processes. These symptoms are associated with dysfunctions of the gland itself and manifest themselves in changes in the functioning of the body without being localized in the location of the thyroid gland. In particular, this can manifest itself in the form of increased sweating, a feeling of fatigue, changes in pulse rate, headaches, the appearance of a feeling of heat in the face, pain and discomfort in the heart area may also occur. With a significant increase in the size of the gland, even difficulties in swallowing and breathing are possible.

Also, symptoms of the same diseases that caused hyperplasia, such as hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis (deficiency or excess of thyroid hormones), may indicate hyperplasia of the thyroid gland.

Hyperplasia of the right lobe of the thyroid gland

Hyperplasia of the thyroid gland can occur both in the whole gland and in its individual parts. The connection between the lobes of the thyroid gland and the mammary glands in women has been proven. Thus, the right lobe of the thyroid gland is connected with the work of the right mammary gland. In one lobe, any type of hyperplasia of the thyroid gland can develop. Both diffuse and nodular growth can occur. The fact that the change in the size of the thyroid gland affects only the right lobe does not give reason to say with certainty that such locality will persist in the future. Rather, on the contrary, if no measures are taken, then with a high degree of probability the disease will spread to the entire organ. With right-sided hyperplasia of the thyroid gland, if the increase has reached the third stage, an asymmetrical change in the shape of the neck is noticeable, protrusion to the right side.

The treatment tactics for hyperplasia of the right lobe of the thyroid gland do not have any distinctive features, do not pose a greater threat than any other localization of the growing tissue of the thyroid gland, therefore the standard treatment tactics are used depending on the severity of the disease.

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Hyperplasia of the left lobe of the thyroid gland

Hyperplasia of the left lobe of the thyroid gland differs little from the right one in its external features. Externally, with a severe degree of hyperplasia of the thyroid gland, it manifests itself as protrusions to the left side, a shift to the left of the neck configuration. But hyperplasia of the left lobe of the thyroid gland can acquire special significance in the case of cancer. In addition to the connection with the left mammary gland in women, the left lobe of the thyroid gland is located in close proximity to such vital organs as the heart and the blood vessels extending from it. Therefore, in the case of cancer of the left lobe of the thyroid gland, if it metastasizes, there is a risk of these metastases being introduced into the heart. It is difficult to diagnose such a situation correctly and in a timely manner due to late patient treatment. But when hyperplasia of the left lobe of the thyroid gland is detected, special attention should be paid to the study of its structure, determining the nature of the growth for the presence of nodes. Biopsy and analysis of these nodes for the purpose of possible detection of disorders that can affect the condition and functioning of nearby organs, the most important of which is the heart. Although one-sided localization in the case of cancer does not guarantee the spread of metastases to more distant parts of the body.

Hyperplasia of the thyroid isthmus

Even at the initial stages of thyroid hyperplasia, when it still remains a cosmetic problem, the isthmus can be detected first. It is located in such a way that when swallowing it is closest to the skin surface. Therefore, hyperplasia of such a part of the thyroid gland as the isthmus is noticeable first. The isthmus is easily palpated during examination and palpation. It is quite small in size, so its growth is quickly detected. At the same time, the isthmus of the thyroid gland is located in such a way that it is the increase in its size that most quickly begins to affect the processes of swallowing and breathing. In the isthmus, as in other parts of the thyroid gland, all possible types of hyperplasia (diffuse, diffuse-nodular, focal) and all possible stages of increase in size can develop. But due to the small size of this part of the thyroid gland, accurate diagnostics is quite complicated in case of real problems, since possible nodes, growths will be located in a fairly small area. This creates particular complexity when instrumental diagnostic methods are required or when it is necessary to select materials for biopsy.

Diffuse hyperplasia of the thyroid gland

Diffuse hyperplasia of the thyroid gland is a uniform increase in the entire thyroid gland or its individual parts. With this type of hyperplasia, there are no local formations prone to growth. Speaking about the diffuse nature of the increase in the size of the thyroid gland, we mean the way in which the gland grows, the uniformity of this growth. But this has nothing to do with the stages of development of thyroid hyperplasia. If the degree of increase in diffuse hyperplasia is small, then endocrinologists most often do not attach importance to this situation. Since this condition is not considered pathological. The only exceptions are those cases when, even with a diffuse nature, the increase reaches a third or more degree. In any case, you should regularly attend preventive examinations and conduct ultrasound diagnostics to exclude intensive growth of the gland or to timely identify jumps in the dynamics of growth. And also monitor the appearance of nodular formations in addition to diffuse growth. In addition, it is necessary to conduct general tests that assess the state of the body, and not rely solely on the size of the thyroid gland. Patients should pay attention to characteristic changes in their body.

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Nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland

In addition to diffuse hyperplasia, nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland may also occur. Its main difference is that when the thyroid gland increases in size, the cells grow unevenly. Therefore, dense clusters of cells, so-called nodes, are formed in the gland itself, which are easily palpated.

The appearance of nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland is much more often a cause for concern for doctors than diffuse hyperplasia. This is due to the fact that the nodes themselves may be oncogenic. Particular attention should be paid to the situation when, with nodular hyperplasia, only one node is distinguished in the structure of the thyroid gland. It should be subject to careful examination. In addition to standard research methods, a biopsy (removal of a tissue section) of this node may be used.

Nodes can form throughout the entire thyroid gland or in individual parts of it, for example, only in one of the lobes (right or left) or in the isthmus.

Primarily, when detecting nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland, doctors pay attention to the degree of enlargement itself and the state of the hormonal background. Also an important parameter is the general condition of the patient.

Diffuse nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland

There are several variants of thyroid gland hyperplasia by the method of increasing its size. They can exist both independently from each other and be combined. Diffuse-nodular hyperplasia is a case of such combined increase.

This is a case of hyperplasia of the thyroid gland, when the latter diffusely increases in size, but nevertheless, nodular clusters of overgrown cells are present in its structure.

This case makes us take the situation more seriously. We should understand all the details of the hormonal background, conduct a separate analysis of the situation with diffuse enlargement.

It is also necessary to monitor the dynamics of diffuse and nodular growth of the thyroid gland. Since different developments can be observed. Diffuse growth of the thyroid gland can be quite slow or even stop, while nodes can grow much faster. Or vice versa - the resulting nodes do not show any activity, while diffuse growth of the thyroid gland continues.

In any case, with diffuse-nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland, the same series of standard studies should be carried out as with other types of hyperplasia.

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Diffuse focal hyperplasia of the thyroid gland

With the development of hyperplasia of the thyroid gland, its growth can be observed according to the diffuse type, that is, a uniform increase in its size over the entire area of the gland or in one of its parts. At the same time, a local change in growth can occur. This is not necessarily the formation of nodes of proliferating tissue. Individual areas can simply have a growth pattern that differs from the general diffuse one. Such cases are called focal-diffuse hyperplasia. With this development of hyperplasia, foci arise that differ from other tissues in growth rate, tissue composition, formation shape, and other characteristics. Moreover, even if there are several of these foci, they are not necessarily similar to each other in all their characteristics. Foci present simultaneously in the thyroid gland during its growth, however, can have a different nature, structure, growth rate, and method. Often, such types of hyperplasia are also called nodular, since these foci themselves most often have the appearance of nodes due to the fact that they are localized in tissue that differs in structure.

In such cases, it is worth paying special attention to each neoplasm, since due to their differences they may behave differently in the future.

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Stages

Depending on the degree of increase in the size of the gland, hyperplasia of the thyroid gland is divided into stages, each of which has its own signs and processes.

Thus, it is customary to distinguish the degrees of thyroid gland enlargement from zero to the fifth. At the zero degree, the enlargement is not noticeable at all. It is not detected by palpation and is not determined visually. At the first degree of enlargement, the gland is still not palpable, but its isthmus is already palpable, which can also be noticeable during swallowing. At the second stage of enlargement, the gland is already visible during swallowing and palpable. At all these stages, despite the increase in the size of the gland and its visibility during swallowing, the shape of the neck itself does not change. That is, at rest, the gland is not externally visible. At the third stage, the gland is quite easy to detect during examination. It is well palpated, and the shape of the neck also begins to change due to hyperplasia of the thyroid gland. At the fourth stage, the thyroid gland is so enlarged that the configuration of the neck changes, the enlargement is very clearly visible. At the fifth stage, the size of the gland affects neighboring organs - it presses on the trachea and esophagus, thereby complicating the processes of breathing and swallowing.

Thyroid hyperplasia of 0-2 degrees is considered more of a cosmetic defect, while 3-5 degrees already refers to pathology, even if this enlargement is not malignant.

Moderate hyperplasia of the thyroid gland

Such an increase in the size of the thyroid gland, which does not reach the third degree, is called moderate. In this case, the size of the gland is slightly increased, but this increase does not cause much concern. But it is still advisable to determine the nature of the cell proliferation, diffuse or focal (nodular). Most often, diffuse moderate hyperplasia of the thyroid gland occurs. In any case, even with moderate criteria for proliferation, follow-up observation should be carried out. An important factor in such a situation will be not only the patient's personal history, but also the family history. The risk of further development of the disease in more serious and pathological forms increases if the patient's family already has patients with similar diagnoses, especially if the scale of the problem required surgical intervention. If no features of the development of moderate hyperplasia are found, for example, active growth dynamics, the formation of new nodes, hormonal imbalance, then no other than preventive ones are usually taken, recommending further regular monitoring. In some cases, iodine preparations can be prescribed for preventive purposes.

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Thyroid hyperplasia grade 1

When considering hyperplasia of the thyroid gland, we rarely talk about the zero degree of enlargement, since it is most often not detected. Sometimes this can happen during a routine examination or ultrasound. Therefore, we often talk about hyperplasia of the first degree. It is also most often detected by chance, but during ultrasound it can rarely be attributed to a normal variant for a particular patient. At this stage of hyperplasia development, the patient himself can consult a doctor, noticing that when swallowing, a protrusion is noticeable on the neck. In such cases, the doctor can palpate the secretion of the isthmus when swallowing. Additional diagnostic methods can also be prescribed for clarification. But at this stage, treatment is not prescribed. It is recommended to conduct regular monitoring by an endocrinologist in order to detect possible growth of the gland in time. Attention is also paid to the general condition of the body. Since despite the relatively small degree of hyperplasia of the thyroid gland, symptoms may appear that indicate a violation of its functions, a disease, the consequence of which is an increase in the size of the thyroid gland. Although at this stage, disturbances in the organ’s functioning are observed quite rarely.

Thyroid hyperplasia grade 2

The next stage of hyperplasia of the thyroid gland is an increase in its size of the second degree. With such an increase, the thyroid gland itself can already be quite well distinguished by palpation. During acts of swallowing, it also becomes visible, unlike the first stage, at which only the isthmus can be distinguished during swallowing. Although at the second stage of hyperplasia of the thyroid gland, the shape of the neck does not change at rest.

This increase is detected much more often, since patients themselves consult a doctor out of concern when they independently discover that the neck clearly changes when swallowing. Although there are no difficulties in breathing or swallowing with such an increase in the size of the gland. Also, an unambiguous answer can be given by conducting an ultrasound examination, which will provide information on the exact size of the gland. Such a study will be especially informative if the patient consulted an endocrinologist at earlier stages of the development of thyroid hyperplasia. Thus, data on the existing size of the gland can be compared with the previous ones. Thus, it is possible to draw conclusions about the dynamics of the growth of the thyroid gland, make some predictions about the further development of the situation.

Thyroid hyperplasia grade 3

At this stage of the gland enlargement, it can already be noticed during a routine examination, the shape of the neck changes (it becomes thicker at the location of the thyroid gland). When palpating the gland, it is also well defined. The previous stages of enlargement are more likely to be cosmetic defects, if there is no active dynamics of the development of thyroid hyperplasia. Such sizes are not considered pathological. And starting from the third stage, thyroid hyperplasia is classified as a pathological process. At this stage, the term "goiter" is more often used. Therefore, in this case, it is advisable to conduct a more detailed study of not only the size of the thyroid gland, but also its functional processes, study the features of iodine metabolism in the body, and analyze the content of thyroid hormones in the body.

It is also important to determine how exactly the gland increases. The increase can occur uniformly throughout the entire area of the organ, or active growth can occur in individual areas of the thyroid gland. Depending on this, diffuse and nodular goiter are distinguished.

At the third stage of thyroid hyperplasia, the question of the malignancy of the process also arises.

Forms

The International Classification of Diseases is a normative document used by the entire global health care system. This document classifies all recognized diseases and health disorders, in addition, the ICD provides common international methodological approaches, correlation of materials and information.

Thus, according to ICD-10, hyperplasia of the thyroid gland occurs (or is highly likely to occur) in diseases that belong to Class IV "Diseases of the endocrine system, nutritional disorders and metabolic disorders", section E.01. Thyroid diseases associated with iodine deficiency and similar conditions. Excludes: congenital iodine deficiency syndrome (E.00), subclinical hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency (E.02), such subsections as:

• E01.0 Diffuse (endemic) goiter associated with iodine deficiency.
• E01.1 Multinodular (endemic) goiter associated with iodine deficiency. Nodular goiter associated with iodine deficiency.
• E01.2 Goiter (endemic) associated with iodine deficiency, unspecified Endemic goiter NEC.

Category E04. Other forms of nontoxic goiter.

Excludes: congenital goiter: NEC, diffuse, parenchymatous goiter associated with iodine deficiency (E00 - E02), its subcategories:

• E04.0 Nontoxic diffuse goiter. Goiter, nontoxic: diffuse (colloid), simple.
• E04.1 Nontoxic uninodular goiter. Colloid nodule (cystic), (thyroid). Nontoxic mononodular goiter. Thyroid (cystic) nodule NEC.
• E04.2 Nontoxic multinodular goiter. Cystic goiter NEC. Polynodular (cystic) goiter NEC.
• E04.8 Other specified nontoxic goiter.
• E04.9 Nontoxic goiter, unspecified. Goiter NEC. Nodular goiter (nontoxic) NEC.

Section E05. Thyrotoxicosis, its subheadings:

• E05.0 Thyrotoxicosis with diffuse goiter. Exophthalmic or toxic goiter. NEC. Graves' disease. Diffuse toxic goiter.
• E05.1 Thyrotoxicosis with toxic uninodular goiter. Thyrotoxicosis with toxic mononodous goiter.
• E05.2 Thyrotoxicosis with toxic multinodular goiter. Toxic nodular goiter NEC.
• E05.3 Thyrotoxicosis with ectopic thyroid tissue.
• E05.4 Thyrotoxicosis factitious.
• E05.5 Thyroid crisis or coma.
• E05.8 Other forms of thyrotoxicosis. Hypersecretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone.
• E05.9 Thyrotoxicosis, unspecified. Hyperthyroidism NEC. Thyrotoxic heart disease (I43.8*).
• E06. Thyroiditis.

Excludes: postpartum thyroiditis (O90.5)

• E06.0 Acute thyroiditis. Thyroid abscess. Thyroiditis: pyogenic, purulent.
• E06.1 Subacute thyroiditis. De Quervain's thyroiditis, giant cell, granulomatous, nonsuppurative. Excludes: autoimmune thyroiditis (E06.3).
• E06.2 Chronic thyroiditis with transient thyrotoxicosis.

Excludes: autoimmune thyroiditis (E06.3)

• E06.3 Autoimmune thyroiditis. Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Chasitoxicosis (transient). Lymphadenomatous goiter. Lymphocytic thyroiditis. Lymphomatous struma
• E06.4 Drug-induced thyroiditis.
• E06.5 Thyroiditis, chronic: NEC, fibrous, woody, Riedel.
• E06.9 Thyroiditis, unspecified.

E 07 "Other diseases of thyroid gland", subheadings E07.0 "Hyperscretion of calcitonin" C-cell hyperplasia of thyroid gland, hypersecretion of thyrocalcitonin; E07.1 "Dyshormonal goiter" familial dyshormonal goiter, Pendred's syndrome. (excludes: transient congenital goiter with normal function (P72.0)); E07.8 "Other specified diseases of thyroid gland" tyrosine-binding globulin defect, hemorrhage, infarction (in) thyroid gland(s), syndrome of insufficient euthyroidism; E07.9 "Disorder of thyroid gland, unspecified"

This information is internationally recognized and used in all areas of healthcare.

Thyroid hyperplasia in children

Like any other disease, thyroid hyperplasia is of particular concern when it develops in children.

Thyroid hyperplasia in a child can be either acquired or congenital. The latter can be associated with the peculiarities of intrauterine development. These most often include problems with the mother's thyroid gland during pregnancy. Then, in most cases, the child will have diffuse hyperplasia. If the disease began to develop after birth, then most often it is associated with a lack of iodine in the child's body. But if, even with a certain small degree of hyperplasia, the level of thyroid hormones in the patient's body is normal and there are no violations in this area, then such growth is not considered pathological. Although regular monitoring is still required, since in childhood such violations are especially dangerous because they can cause disturbances in the child's psychoneurological development.

It should be noted that when analyzing the situation, not only the results of instrumental and laboratory studies are taken into account, but also the child’s behavior in the group, his academic performance, and general condition.

It is also important to remember that the normal values, as well as the dosage of drugs, differ in children from adults.

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Thyroid hyperplasia during pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most important and difficult periods in a woman's life. It is known that thyroid diseases, and in particular thyroid hyperplasia, are much more common in women than in men. And pregnancy increases the risk of these pathologies even more. In addition to disruptions in the woman's body, hyperplasia of the thyroid gland during pregnancy is dangerous for the development of the fetus. In particular, the normal functioning of the mother's thyroid gland, adequate production of hormones, affect the development of the child's respiratory system. This is especially important in the first half of pregnancy. But the development of hyperplasia is quite common in pregnant women. Most often, it manifests itself in the form of diffuse toxic goiter.

In addition to possible complications in fetal development and the negative impact of symptoms on the mother's condition, hyperplasia of the thyroid gland increases the risk of spontaneous termination of pregnancy. The probability can reach 50%. Most often, this situation occurs in the earliest stages of pregnancy. The reason for this is the increased production of thyroid hormones, which in turn negatively affect the attachment of the fetus in the uterus, the development of the embryonic egg.

Diagnostics thyroid hyperplasia

Diagnosis of the development of thyroid hyperplasia is carried out by an endocrinologist. The main diagnostic methods are primary examination, palpation of the gland location area, ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, analysis of the thyroid hormone content in the blood, and assessment of the patient's general condition.

Much also depends on how exactly the disease progresses, what symptoms the patient feels, and what complaints he or she brought to the doctor.

The sooner the patient consults specialists, the less often the disease is diagnosed. Since the first stages of thyroid hyperplasia do not show external signs, do not give noticeable symptoms. Although such a situation can be detected if ultrasound diagnostics is used as a preventive research method.

In other cases, the doctor can detect the development of hyperplasia by palpation, observe the act of swallowing to notice possible secretion of the gland or isthmus during such actions. Sometimes, in the later stages of the disease, an enlarged thyroid gland can be detected simply visually if its size is such that the configuration of the neck changes. It is also possible to assume the presence of hyperplasia by indirect signs indicating disturbances in its functioning.

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Echo signs of thyroid hyperplasia

One of the most reliable methods for determining thyroid hyperplasia is ultrasound diagnostics. It is with it that changes in the thyroid gland can be identified based on a number of ECHO signs.

Even at the initial stages of development, cells that grow, increasing the overall volume of the gland, react differently to the ECHO signal than normal healthy cells. If diffuse hyperplasia occurs, then the signs of such different cells are visible not locally, but spread throughout the gland or part of it. If the proliferation of thyroid tissue occurs with the formation of nodes, then the ECHO signal will clearly display this, since only certain zones will react differently to it. Diffuse focal hyperplasia of the thyroid gland is also determined. Against the background of the general reaction of cells with diffuse proliferation, brighter areas will stand out. When interpreting the reactions obtained to the ECHO signals, one can also judge how similar the nodes are to each other, whether they have the same origin and structure.

In addition to data on the structure of the thyroid gland and the structure of possible neoplasms in it, ECHO signals provide information on the shape, size, edge shape, and total volume of the thyroid gland. It is clearly shown which part is subject to hyperplasia.

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Treatment thyroid hyperplasia

When choosing the treatment tactics for thyroid hyperplasia, special attention is paid to many different factors. In particular, the degree of enlargement of the thyroid gland is of primary importance. Depending on this, hyperplasia is considered a pathological or non-pathological process. If the size is not considered pathological, then no treatment as such is prescribed. Preventive measures are prescribed, and regular examinations and ultrasound monitoring are recommended. If the enlargement is considered pathological, whether due to the size or the growth rate, then treatment tactics are chosen. It can vary from prescribing iodine preparations to surgical intervention.

The next important factor is the patient's age. Approaches to diagnosis and treatment of thyroid hyperplasia in adults and children are different. Moreover, in children, it is much more important to resort to a more active influence on the process, since thyroid dysfunction can negatively affect the overall level of development of the child.

It is also very important to take into account the patient's condition (for example, pregnancy) and any concomitant diseases that may affect the situation.

Treatment of diffuse hyperplasia of the thyroid gland

It is diffuse hyperplasia of the thyroid gland that occurs in most cases. It is determined by palpation or ultrasound diagnostics. If the increase in the size of the thyroid gland with diffuse hyperplasia does not cause much concern, then in addition to standard regular monitoring, an increase in the level of iodine intake is prescribed. Among such recommendations, two types can be distinguished - pharmaceutical and natural. The most common case is a recommendation to switch to iodized salt. Not just its periodic use, but a complete replacement of salt in the household with iodized salt. Also, iodine levels can be increased by iodine-containing foods in the diet. These include seaweed (sproulina, kelp), as well as other seafood. In particular, fish - cod, halibut, salmon, and the herring that is popular with us is known. There is also a lot of iodine in squid, scallops, mussels. Iodine is also contained in a number of other products. An alternative to such replenishment of iodine in the body is the administration of drugs containing iodine, such as Iodomarin, potassium iodide.

In more complex cases, when thyroid hyperplasia is accompanied by hormonal metabolism disorders, hormonal drugs are prescribed.

In particularly complex cases, with significant increases in size, surgical intervention may be required.

Treatment of nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland

Nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland always causes more concern than diffuse hyperplasia. In case of nodes formation in the thickness of the thyroid gland, it is difficult to predict their further behavior, it is difficult to determine their possible influence. Moreover, it is precisely with the development of nodular hyperplasia that the probability of developing a malignant process most often arises. For the correct choice of treatment tactics, in addition to ultrasound analysis, examinations and palpation, tests for the content of thyroid-stimulating hormones in the blood, in some cases a biopsy of the formed node is performed, and sometimes several, if there is a suspicion that their nature is different.

In case of nodular hyperplasia, iodine preparations are also always prescribed. But at the same time, hormonal preparations are prescribed much more often, since it is precisely during the formation of nodes, especially in the case of diffuse-nodular hyperplasia, that functional changes in the thyroid gland are observed. Also quite a common occurrence in case of nodular hyperplasia is surgical removal of nodes or even removal of part, and sometimes the entire thyroid gland. In such operations, hormone replacement therapy is prescribed. Even after surgery, the thyroid gland (if it was not completely removed) requires very scrupulous monitoring.

Prevention

As is known, prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, prevention of thyroid diseases should also play an important role. This is especially relevant for residents of those regions that were exposed to radiation (Chernobyl tragedy, Fukushima), as well as residents of regions with endemic iodine deficiency.

The main way to prevent thyroid problems, in particular, to prevent thyroid hyperplasia, is to eat iodized salt. In many countries today, eating iodized and sea salt is not something special. Therefore, it is worth introducing into your lifestyle. In addition, eating seafood, which also contains a large amount of iodine, will be useful. But in addition to seafood, iodine reserves are also replenished by the usual eggs, milk, beef, garlic, spinach and much more. If there is a serious iodine deficiency in the region of residence or there is no opportunity to eat iodine-rich foods, then it will be advisable to take a course of medications that replenish the iodine reserve.

In addition to the direct iodine balance, factors such as excess weight also influence the development of thyroid hyperplasia. The connection between excess weight and thyroid dysfunction has been proven. Therefore, it is worth monitoring this, especially if a person belongs to risk groups for some other indicators.

Also important are environmental conditions - clean drinking water, healthy foods that are free of chemical toxins, and an overall balance of nutrients, minerals and vitamins.

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Forecast

Thyroid hyperplasia is a fairly well-studied and controlled disease today. However, the most important role in the prognosis of its development is played by the stage at which it was detected. It is quite rare to detect thyroid hyperplasia at the earliest stages. This is due to the fact that patients do not seek help until the condition of the thyroid gland begins to cause them concern. Most often, attention is drawn to the secretion of the thyroid gland when swallowing, difficulty in swallowing, a feeling of tightness in the throat, a change in the configuration of the neck. But even at such stages, patients often attribute all these symptoms to the state of the environment (the consequences of Chernobyl) and believe that such changes can be the norm and cannot be corrected. This is not only an erroneous decision, but also quite dangerous to health. An increase in the size of the gland to such sizes that actively attract attention is quite often accompanied by emerging disorders in the production of thyroid hormones, which inevitably entails disruptions in the functioning of the entire body. This is especially dangerous for children.

In addition, the growth of the gland, which is accompanied by the formation of nodes, can develop into thyroid cancer. It is difficult to underestimate the danger of cancer today. Therefore, the prognosis for treatment directly depends on the condition that exists at the time of treatment. Even if nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland was detected at a fairly early stage, there were no changes in hormonal levels, the prognosis is quite optimistic. If the situation is neglected, the growth makes breathing and swallowing difficult, serious surgical and drug intervention is required, then the prognosis is significantly worse. After all, even if the problem of thyroid disorders is solved in the case of complete removal of the gland or a significant part of it, this generally disables a person, forces them to constantly take hormonal drugs, and has a very negative effect on the general condition of the body. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo preventive examinations at least once a year for timely detection of a problem, if one arises.

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