Endocrine Goiter

Depending on the morphological characteristics and the function of the goiter, it can be classified into several types:

• Diffuse - enlargement of the gland at the expense of a global and regular increase.
• Nodular: focal increase in thyroid size leading to the development of nodules.

Depending on whether it produces more or less thyroid hormones than are necessary for the proper functioning of the body's organs and systems, the goiter can be:

• • Normally functioning: the goiter has a normal production of hormones.
  • Hyperfunctioning: it has an increased production of hormones.
  • Hypo-functional: it has a decreased production of hormones.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the size of the goiter and whether it is hyperfunctioning, normal or underactive. However, sometimes the only thing that manifests itself is the appearance of a lump in the anterior region of the neck, without the person suffering from it having any other symptoms.

If the goiter is very large, it causes compression of neighboring structures such as the trachea, the esophagus or the recurrent nerve, which will cause respiratory distress, difficulty swallowing and alteration in the voice.

In addition, the patient will present the symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, depending on the degree of functioning of the goiter.

Diagnosis

The best method is to perform a cervical ultrasound, which will allow us to know the morphology of the goiter, and also will allow us to perform a possible puncture of it to rule out malignancy.

The determination in a blood test of the thyroid hormones allows us to know if the goiter produces a hyperfunction or hypofunction of the gland.

Treatment

The treatment of goiter is different in different patients depending on its etiology.

Diffuse and small goiters, or with few nodules, and that are normally functional, do not need to be treated; they just require regular monitoring.

Small doses of iodine can help when a goiter is due to a deficiency of iodine.

When the goiter causes hypothyroidism, thyroxine should be given. And if it causes hyperthyroidism, it must be treated with antithyroid drugs, or radioactive iodine or surgery, depending on the case.

In cases of a large goiter that does not respond to medical management, or that causes compression of the respiratory or digestive tract, partial removal of the thyroid gland will be indicated.

Precautionary measures

The best preventive measure is the use of table salt with iodine.