Adenoma of the thyroid gland refers to benign neoplasms that can occur in the structure of the thyroid gland. Such a voluminous process in the overwhelming majority of cases has a rounded shape and a pronounced fibrous capsule, which delimits the tumor tissue from the healthy tissue of the thyroid gland.
This pathology occurs in any age group, and mainly middle-aged and older women get sick . Such a neoplasm can reach a significant size, which causes compression of the surrounding tissues of the neck. In some cases, against the background of a thyroid adenoma, the treatment of which was not carried out in a timely manner, cancer develops – only timely therapy helps to prevent malignancy. It is often impossible to grasp the moment of tumor degeneration – that is why adenomas, especially those prone to rapid growth, should be removed immediately after detection and, even during the operation, immediately sent for histological examination.
The reasons for the development of thyroid adenoma are not fully understood. It is assumed that this disease occurs due to hypersecretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone secreted by the cells of the anterior pituitary gland, as well as in disorders of regional sympathetic innervation (dysfunctions of the autonomic nervous system). It should be noted that when the normal functioning of the pituitary-thyroid gland system is disturbed, the adenoma very rarely reaches a large size – with a significant excess of the level of thyroid hormones, the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone decreases, and the neoplasm gradually decreases in size.
In addition, there are common factors that can provoke the development of neoplasms in the thyroid gland – these include hereditary predisposition, poor ecology, exposure to toxic substances on the body, the impact of occupational hazards, hormonal imbalance that occurs in the body. In this case, the adenoma can reach a significant size, which is clinically manifested by signs of a volumetric process in the neck area – impaired swallowing and breathing, voice changes, pain.
CLINICAL PICTURE OF THE THYROID ADENOMA
During this disease, a node with a smooth surface and clear edges forms in the tissues of the thyroid gland. Much less often, during the examination, multiple nodes are revealed, including scattered tissues of the organ. Adenoma of the thyroid gland can be combined with goiter or initiate the development of a malignant neoplastic process – thyroid cancer.
It should be noted that the functioning of the thyroid gland during the development of adenoma is practically not disturbed, with the exception of Plummer’s disease , in which the clinical picture of hyperthyroidism develops.
The main initial manifestations of thyroid adenoma are as follows:
- losing weight;
- intolerance to high temperatures;
- increased irritability;
- increased sweating;
- tachycardia (increased heart rate), which manifests itself even at rest;
- fast fatigability even with minor physical exertion.
In the future, the work of the digestive system is disrupted, changes in blood pressure appear, in some cases, a slight increase in body temperature is recorded.
It should be noted that an adenoma of the thyroid gland, the treatment of which was not carried out in a timely manner, in older patients can manifest itself with typical cardiac (heart) complaints – palpitations and shortness of breath during physical exertion. Patients may also complain of weakness and drowsiness. Skin color does not change, and very rarely there are typical changes in the eyes – exophthalmos, glitter in the eyes, dry mucous membranes in most cases are absent. The skin of such patients is always moist, the limbs are hot.
With a prolonged course, this disease provokes the development of atrial fibrillation and myocardial dystrophy, which further leads to severe heart failure.
DIAGNOSTICS OF THYROID ADENOMA
Thyrotoxic adenoma is diagnosed based on the collection of anamnesis and data obtained during the examination of the patient. So, on palpation of the thyroid gland, one can notice that one lobe of the thyroid gland is enlarged, sometimes it is possible to probe the node itself.
Follicular thyroid adenoma
This disease is detected using ultrasound and cytological examination. A puncture aspiration biopsy is performed in order to obtain material, which in 80% of cases helps to distinguish an adenoma from thyroid cancer. If the patient has Plummer’s adenoma, then a hyperfunctional node in the thyroid tissue is revealed during scintigraphy . In some cases, a blood test for hormone levels can be an additional diagnostic method. With adenoma, the level of triiodothyronine is high, and the level of thyroxine may change slightly and approach the norm. The concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone may decrease slightly or remain normal. A biochemical blood test reveals metabolic disorders.
TREATMENT OF THYROID ADENOMA
When a tumor of the thyroid gland is detected, the treatment is directed at the destruction of the detected neoplasm. Appointed by antimitotic and antimetabolitnye drugs. Desensitizing, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating and detoxification therapy is also carried out . Vitamins are prescribed, as well as drugs that regulate the functional activity of the pituitary gland and thyroid gland.
A certain therapeutic effect is given by rubbing infusions and extracts of herbs into the area of the node, carrying out lactotherapy , apupuncture and apparatus physiotherapy in the form of magnetic and laser therapy. Thyrotoxic adenoma of the thyroid gland is treated with surgery. Sometimes in the treatment of this lesion, radioactive iodine or direct injection of ethyl alcohol into the node is used.
NB! Toxic adenoma, if untreated, can turn into a malignant form. With timely treatment, the prognosis of the disease is favorable.
In the event of a patient’s thyroid adenoma, despite a relatively mild course and a favorable prognosis of the disease, two dangers may lie in wait – the development of hyperthyroidism and malignancy of the tumor. That is why timely diagnosis and treatment of thyroid adenoma is so important.