THYROID SWELLING / GOITRE

Thyroid Swelling / Goitre

Definition

• Goitre is a swelling of the thyroid gland.

Types of Goitre

• Colloid Goitre

  • Characterized by the presence of colloid within the thyroid gland.
  • The thyroid gland is usually enlarged and firm.

• Toxic Goitre

  • The thyroid gland is overactive and produces excess thyroid hormone.
  • The thyroid gland is usually enlarged and firm.

• Retrosternal Goitre

  • The thyroid gland extends below the sternum.
  • It can cause respiratory symptoms due to the compression of the trachea.

• Substernal Goitre

  • The thyroid gland extends below the clavicles.
  • It can cause respiratory symptoms due to the compression of the trachea.

• Lymphocytic Goitre

  • Characterized by the presence of lymphocytes in the thyroid gland.
  • It is often associated with autoimmune thyroiditis.

• Follicular Goitre

  • The thyroid gland is composed of follicles that are lined by follicular cells.
  • It is often associated with thyroid cancer.

• Medullary Goitre

  • The thyroid gland is composed of parafollicular cells.
  • It is often associated with medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Causes of Thyroid Swelling (Goitre)

• Iodine Deficiency

  • The thyroid gland is unable to produce thyroid hormone due to a lack of iodine.
  • It is a common cause of goitre in areas where iodine-deficient salt is consumed.

• Thyroiditis

  • Inflammation of the thyroid gland.
  • It can cause the release of pre-formed thyroid hormone into the bloodstream.

• Thyroid Nodules

  • Single or multiple nodules within the thyroid gland.
  • They can cause the thyroid gland to become enlarged.

• Thyroid Cancer

  • Cancer of the thyroid gland.
  • It can cause the thyroid gland to become enlarged.

• Autoimmune Thyroiditis

  • Inflammation of the thyroid gland due to an autoimmune response.
  • It can cause the thyroid gland to become enlarged.

Clinical Features of Goitre

• Enlargement of the Thyroid Gland

  • The thyroid gland is usually enlarged and firm.

• Respiratory Symptoms

  • The compression of the trachea can cause respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea.

• Dysphagia

  • The compression of the esophagus can cause dysphagia.

• Hoarseness of Voice

  • The compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve can cause hoarseness of voice.

• Paresthesia

  • The compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve can cause paresthesia.

Diagnosis of Goitre

• Physical Examination

  • The thyroid gland is usually enlarged and firm.

• Imaging Studies

  • Ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans can be used to evaluate the thyroid gland.

• Thyroid Function Tests

  • Blood tests can be used to evaluate the thyroid function.

• Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)

  • A sample of thyroid tissue is obtained using a fine needle.

• Thyroid Scan

  • A scan of the thyroid gland can be used to evaluate its function.

Investigations for Goitre

• Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs)

  • Blood tests can be used to evaluate the thyroid function.

• Thyroid Antibodies

  • Blood tests can be used to evaluate the presence of thyroid antibodies.

• Thyroid Scan

  • A scan of the thyroid gland can be used to evaluate its function.

• Ultrasonography

  • Ultrasound can be used to evaluate the thyroid gland.

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

  • A CT scan can be used to evaluate the thyroid gland.

Complications of Goitre

• Respiratory Symptoms

  • The compression of the trachea can cause respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea.

• Dysphagia

  • The compression of the esophagus can cause dysphagia.

• Hoarseness of Voice

  • The compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve can cause hoarseness of voice.

• Paresthesia

  • The compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve can cause paresthesia.

• Thyroid Crisis

  • A life-threatening complication of untreated hyperthyroidism.

Management of Goitre

• Surgery

  • The removal of the thyroid gland.

• Radioactive Iodine

  • The use of radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid gland.

• Antithyroid Medications

  • The use of medications to reduce the production of thyroid hormone.

• Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy

  • The use of medications to replace the thyroid hormone.

Homoeopathic Medicines Used in Goitre

• Lycopodium

  • Indicated in cases of goitre with symptoms of weakness and fatigue.

• Calcarea Carbonica

  • Indicated in cases of goitre with symptoms of cold intolerance and weight gain.

• Selenium

  • Indicated in cases of goitre with symptoms of fatigue and muscle weakness.

• Kali Iodatum

  • Indicated in cases of goitre with symptoms of swelling and inflammation.

• Thyroidinum

  • Indicated in cases of goitre with symptoms of thyroid dysfunction.

• Iodium

  • Indicated in cases of goitre with symptoms of iodine deficiency.

• Calcarea Phosphorica

  • Indicated in cases of goitre with symptoms of bone weakness and pain.

• Sanguinaria Canadensis

  • Indicated in cases of goitre with symptoms of thyroid inflammation and pain.