Content:

• Prevalence of the problem
• Types of Goiter
• Thyroid enlargement
• Symptoms of thyroid enlargement
• What threatens thyroid enlargement?

Many adverse factors that have a negative effect on the body cause an enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter). What are the causes of such manifestations? The reasons for the enlargement of the thyroid gland can be hidden both in problems in this organ itself and in response to diseases of the pituitary gland, imbalance of sex hormones, and the effect of harmful substances on the body. 

Prevalence of the problem

An enlarged thyroid gland is ubiquitous. Women suffer the most. An enlarged thyroid gland in children is most often congenital and develops as a result of maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy.

Enlarged thyroid glands in adolescents are usually temporary. It can occur due to adolescent hormonal imbalance, a mismatch between the development of organs.

Most often, such a state of the thyroid gland of a teenager can be detected during a routine examination at school. Doctors usually recommend monitoring by an endocrinologist if the thyroid gland is enlarged in a child. A dynamic observation is carried out, according to the results of which treatment can be prescribed. If you miss the time, then problems with the thyroid gland can cause problems in school (deterioration in academic performance and behavior), as well as cause a developmental delay.

Types of Goiter

• Diffuse
• Nodal
• Mixed.

With diffuse goiter, a general increase in the volume of the thyroid gland occurs. One or both lobes increase evenly. However, the right lobe of the thyroid gland is much more often enlarged. This is especially characteristic of thyroiditis.

With nodular forms of goiter, neoplasms, nodes are formed in the thyroid gland. Most often these are cystic formations, which in most cases are benign. If the nodes do not cause discomfort and there are no dysfunctions of the gland itself, then treatment is not prescribed. Limited only by the observation of the patient. In cases where there is an increase in the nodes of the thyroid gland, additional examinations are needed to reveal the nature of the nodes. This makes it possible to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

Thyroid enlargement

There are two classifications of degrees of goiter, but in Russia the most commonly used division into 5 degrees. A zero degree means that the size of the gland fits into the norm. At the first degree, the lobes of the gland can also be of normal size or increased slightly, visually invisible. When swallowing, you can see an increase in the isthmus of the thyroid gland.

In the second degree, not only the isthmus of the thyroid gland is enlarged, but the lobes can already be visually noticeable, well defined by palpation.

An increase in the thyroid gland of the third to fifth degree changes the contours of the neck and can cause compression phenomena, that is, squeeze the esophagus, trachea.

Symptoms of thyroid enlargement

• The appearance of thickening on the front of the neck,
• Impaired swallowing, breathing,
• Hoarseness of voice
• Soreness in the area of ​​goiter.

Symptoms may also be associated with impaired gland function. Although an enlargement of the thyroid gland does not in itself affect its function. Usually the opposite is true – dysfunction of the thyroid gland causes its increase.

What threatens thyroid enlargement?

• Due to the increase in the size of the gland, it presses on neighboring organs, so the process of breathing, swallowing may be disrupted, the voice may change or completely disappear.
• The appearance of patients is changing. Especially when the goiter is large, the person is literally disfigured.
• If an increase in size is accompanied by a decrease or increase in gland function, then sooner or later there will be changes in the cardiovascular system (tachycardia or bradycardia, increased blood pressure, increased cholesterol). The nervous system is also sensitive to problems with the functioning of the thyroid gland. Imbalance, tearfulness develops, and depression can be.
• The most formidable consequence of an enlarged thyroid gland accompanied by thyrotoxicosis is thyrotoxic crisis. Abrupt release of thyroid hormones can be life threatening.

For effective treatment, symptomatic remedies are not enough, it is best to find out why the thyroid gland is enlarged. Knowing the cause makes it easier to deal with the disease.