An important medical problem today is the development of the thyroid gland. The defeat of this organ, manifested by malformations, is quite common, since there are many endemic zones with an insufficient amount of iodine, which negatively affects the functioning of the thyroid gland in adults. In addition, the number of congenital malformations and anomalies in the development of this endocrine organ increases every day, which can be associated with a high level of radiation that affects a modern person, the level of environmental pollution – these reasons cause disturbances in the formation and development of an organ even at the stage of intrauterine development. 

AMONG THE ANOMALIES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE THYROGEN IS:

• Aplasia is the complete absence of the thyroid gland at the typical site of its localization. This anomaly is detected at an early age during ultrasound examination, and can also be suspected based on the results of clinical observation and hormonal profile studies; 
• Dystopia is caused by an incorrect intrauterine gland anlage, which, as a result, changes its usual position and is located mediastinal, inside the larynx, inside the pharynx, retroesophageally or in another atypical place. This anomaly does not appear during ultrasound diagnostics, therefore, to detect it, another type of study is used – scintigraphy (a method of visualizing individual structures by introducing radioactive isotopes). In such patients, the development of both hyperfunction and hypofunction of the organ is possible, in addition, with an atypical location, the thyroid gland can become a foreign body, which will manifest itself as a characteristic clinical picture in the patient; 
• additional glands, their bifurcations, as well as congenital thyroid cysts may appear . The accessory glands have a similar structure to the main gland. They are connected to it or located separately. The appearance of these structures is due to a delay in the development of the thyroid gland during the embryonic period; 
• situations are possible in which, during intrauterine development, the ovarian duct remains unclosed, and lateral hands or fistulas on the neck are detected.

Variants of the shape and abnormalities of the thyroid gland (according to Marshall)

Hyperplasia

Sometimes hyperplasia of the thyroid gland occurs . The etiology of this process is not fully known. Hyperplasia is manifested by an increase in the thyroid gland. It is associated with active division of gland cells due to the effects of high concentrations of hormones. In this case, neoplasms of a different nature and nodal structures (single or multiple) in the thyroid tissue are often observed. 

This condition develops against the background of an excess of iodine, since it is this microelement that is able to stabilize the secretory and metabolic processes in the thyroid gland. It should be noted that clinical manifestations of thyroid hyperplasia are rare, therefore, it is quite problematic to diagnose this anomaly and start treatment on time. That is why it is recommended to visit an endocrinologist at least once a year in order to timely identify certain violations on the part of this organ and begin treatment. In addition, it is useful to consume an increased amount of iodine-containing food products, iodized salt, and also take vitamin courses with the inclusion of iodine.

When hyperplasia of the thyroid gland occurs , treatment is aimed at stopping the proliferation of thyroid tissue by taking hormonal drugs, which should only be prescribed by an endocrinologist, who will choose the right dosage depending on the degree of hyperplasia. That is why, in the event of any changes in the structure of this organ, any treatment should be prescribed only after a comprehensive and complete examination of the patient and carried out under medical supervision. 

HYPOPLASIA

The opposite process, when the total volume of the thyroid gland is less than normal, is hypoplasia. This anomaly is often caused by insufficient intake of iodine in the mother’s body during gestation. It also occurs against the background of other defects of intrauterine development or if a pregnant woman has hypothyroidism, which is treated ineffectively or is not diagnosed at all.

Hypoplasia of the thyroid gland on the basis of the characteristic clinical picture can be easily recognized already in the first months of a child’s life. The kid is lethargic, drowsy, does not react well to light and sounds, has a hoarse voice, refuses to eat and suffers from constipation. Subsequently, you can notice a lag in the physical and psychomotor development of the child – such a patient will always be worse developed than healthy peers, and the disorders will worsen as the baby grows up 

At the same time, speech and hearing impairments, a decrease in intelligence, and changes in movements are observed. When hypoplasia of the thyroid gland develops , treatment should be carried out in its early stages, which in some cases can make a difference in the life of patients. The prognosis of the therapy depends on the age at which the treatment was started, as well as on the developmental defects of the brain and the degree of neuropsychic disorders, which determine the methodology and effect of treatment measures. 

That is why all women who are registered with an endocrinologist for thyroid diseases during pregnancy should be observed in specialized medical institutions, receive additional doses of iodine as needed (depending on the state of hormonal levels). They must go for delivery to specialized maternity hospitals, whose staff has experience in monitoring women with thyroid pathology – after childbirth, severe metabolic disorders in the postpartum woman and severe disorders in the child can occur .    

NB! This rule should be especially observed in areas where there are signs of insufficient iodine in food, water and ambient air.