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What is multi nodular goiter -bilaterally?
A goiter is a swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck. Nodules are small bumps inside the gland which may be malignant or benign. A person may have one nodule on one or both sides of their thyroid gland, or they may have multiple nodules on one or both sides of their thyroid gland. Bilaterally means - both sides.
Thyroid nodule?
DefinitionA thyroid nodule is a growth (lump) in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck.Alternative NamesThyroid tumor; Thyroid adenoma; Thyroid carcinoma; Thyroid incidentalomaCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThyroid nodules are growths of cells in the thyroid gland. These growths can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Some nodules are fluid-filled (cysts), while others are made of thyroid gland cells. Sometimes, what feels like one nodule will actually be a collection of small nodules.Thyroid nodules are more common in women than in men. A person's chance of a thyroid nodule increases with age.Only a few thyroid nodules are cancerous. (See: Thyroid cancer)The following characteristics increase the chances that a thyroid nodule is cancerous:A hard noduleA nodule that is stuck to nearby structuresFamily history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIFamily history of thyroid cancer, especially medullary thyroid carcinomaHoarse voice due to vocal cord paralysisAge -- younger than 20 years or older than 70History of radiation exposure to the head or neckMale genderCauses of thyroid nodules are not always found, but can include:Hashimoto's diseaseIodine deficiencySymptomsMost thyroid nodules produce no symptoms.Large nodules can press against other structures in the neck. Symptoms may include:Difficulty breathingDifficulty swallowingGoiterHoarseness or changing voicePain in the neckNodules that produce thyroid hormones will cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including:Bounding pulseClammy skinIncreased appetiteNervousnessRestlessnessSkin blushing or flushingWeight lossThyroid nodules are sometimes found in people who have Hashimoto's disease. Hashimoto's disease may cause hypothyroidism, with symptoms such as:Dry skinFacial swellingFatigueHair lossIntolerance to coldUnintentional weight gainSigns and testsVery often, nodules produce no symptoms. Doctors will find thyroid nodules only during a routine physical exam or imaging tests that are done for another reason. However, thyroid nodules that are big enough to feel during a physical exam occur in a few people.If the doctor finds a nodule or you have symptoms of a nodule, the following tests may be done:Fine needle aspiration biopsyThyroid scanThyroid ultrasoundTSH levelTreatmentYour health care provider may recommend surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid gland if the nodule is:CancerousBelieved to be making your thyroid overactive (hyperthyroid)Cannot be diagnosed as cancer or noncancerCause symptoms such as swallowing or breathing problemsPatients with overactive nodules may be treated with radioactive iodine, which reduces the size and activity of the nodule. However, in rare cases the treatment can cause hypothyroidism and inflammation of the thyroid gland (radiation-induced thyroiditis). Pregnant women should not be given this treatment. Women being treated with radioactive iodine should not get pregnant.Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone) is a drug that suppresses the production of the thyroid hormone T4. A doctor may prescribe levothyroxine to treat noncancerous nodules only in special cases.Careful follow-up is the only recommended treatment for benign nodules that do not cause symptoms and are not growing. A thyroid biopsy may need to be repeated 6 - 12 months after diagnosis. An ultrasound may be repeated as well.Other possible treatments include ethanol (alcohol) injection into the nodule and laser therapy.Expectations (prognosis)Noncancerous thyroid nodules are not life threatening. Many do not require treatment, only follow-up. Noncancerous nodules that do need treatment have an excellent outlook.The outlook for cancerous nodules depends on the type of cancer.See also: Thyroid cancerComplicationsHyperthyroidism is a common complication of noncancerous thyroid nodules.Complications of treatment can include:Hoarse voice if vocal cord nerves are damaged during surgeryHypothyroidism from surgery or radioactive iodine therapyLow blood calcium (hypocalcemia) from hypoparathyroidism if parathyroid glands are accidentally damaged or removed during surgeryCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you feel or see a lump in your neck, or if you experience any symptoms of a thyroid nodule.If you have been exposed to radiation in the face or neck area, call your health care provider. A neck ultrasound can be done to look for thyroid nodules.PreventionThe reason for most thyroid nodules is unknown. A diet with enough iodine will help prevent some nodules.ReferencesGharib H, Papini E, Valcavi R, et al.; AACE/AME Task Force on Thyroid Nodules. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Associazione Medici Endocrinologi medical guidelines for clinical practice for the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules. Endocr Pract. 2006;12:63-102.Schlumberger MJ, Filetti S, Hay ID. Nontoxic Diffuse and Nodular Goiter and Thyroid Neoplasia. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 13.
What does it mean if masses are found in a thyroid ultrasound?
This means they found a mass of skin on your ultrasound. Your uterus can sometimes grow masses. They can also grow cancers.
What is the stimulus for release of Thyroid hormone?
Unlike some medical terminology, this one is kind of straightforward. Thyroid-stimulating hormone is what stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroid hormone.
What are some symptoms of cancerous thyroid nodules?
Sadly, in general it's very common for there never to be any real symptoms until it's progressed to a dangerous level. However, in many cases there'll be swelling and sometimes this will also result in excessive production of thyroid hormone which can be detected fairly easily in one's bloodwork.
Which diseases or disorders affect the thyroid glands?
One common disease affecting the thyroid glands is hypothyroidism, where the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones. Another is hyperthyroidism, where excessive hormone production occurs. Both conditions can impact overall health.
How are the thyroid and parathyroid glands linked anatomically?
Thyroid glands are located in the neck, in close approximation to the first part of the trachea. In humans, the thyroid gland has a "butterfly" shape, with two lateral lobes that are connected by a narrow section called the isthmus. Most animals, however, have two separate glands on either side of the trachea. Thyroid glands are brownish-red in color.Close examination of a thyroid gland will reveal one or more small, light-colored nodules on or protruding from its surface - these are parathyroid glands (meaning "beside the thyroid").The microscopic structure of the thyroid is quite distinctive. Thyroid epithelial cells - the cells responsible for synthesis of thyroid hormones - are arranged in spheres called thyroid follicles. Follicles are filled with colloid, a proteinaceous depot of thyroid hormone precursor.In addition to thyroid epithelial cells, the thyroid gland houses one other important endocrine cell. Nestled in spaces between thyroid follicles are parafollicular or C cells, which secrete the hormone calcitonin.The structure of a parathyroid gland is distinctly different from a thyroid gland. The cells that synthesize and secrete parathyroid hormone are arranged in rather dense cords or nests around abundant capillaries.
What is the Difference between hot and cold thyroid nodule?
The difference between hot and cold thyroid nodules refers to the appearance of the thyroid when viewed by a Nuclear Medicine Thyroid Scan. During a thyroid scan, the patient is given radioactive iodine which is taken orally. The radioactive iodine is absorbed into the bloodstream and gets picked up by functioning thyroid tissue. The thyroid utilizes iodine in its function of producing thyroid hormones. With a Nuclear Medicine scan, the radioactive iodine acts like non-radioactive iodine and is absorbed by the thyroid gland to be used in the production of thyroid hormones. Therefore, functioning thyroid tissue will become radioactive by the absorption of the radioactive iodine. Areas of the thyroid which are overly functioning will pick up more radioactive iodine than normal tissue and are referred to as being "hot". Areas of the thyroid that are functioning less than normal or not at all will pick up less or none of the radioactive iodine. These areas are referred to as being "cold". With the use of special "cameras" the radioactive iodine is detected in the thyroid gland and a picture is formed. The "hot" areas will show up darker than normal tissue and the "cold" areas will show up as lighter than normal tissue or as completely blank areas. The "hot" nodules are overly functioning thyroid tissue, very often palpable from the outer surface of the skin, and are sometimes cancerous tissue. The "cold" nodules are also sometimes palpable from the outer skin surface. These non-functioning areas can be scar tissue, cysts or a variety of non thyroid tissue infiltrating the thyroid gland.
Which of the Disney's dwarfs wear glasses?
Doc. Maybe he was a lillipution medical man.
Where would one find information on Rheumatoid nodules?
You can find information on Rheumatoid nodules online at the WebMD website. Once on the page, type "Rheumatoid Nodules" into the search field at the top of the page and press enter to bring up the information.
What is the treatment for Thyroid disease?
Radioactive iodine is a treatment option used for those with hyperthyroidism and the thyroid autoimmune condition Graves' disease. Radioactive iodine treatment can also be used for those dealing with thyroid cancer. It is given orally, usually in a capsule form, and absorbed in the bloodstream. It then enters the thyroid gland and gradually destroys the thyroid cells, which will cause the thyroid to become hypothyroid.Related Article: Radioactive Iodine Treatment and Hyperthyroidism
Which organ is affected by the thyroid hormone in adults?
The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located in the neck, behind the larynx. The whole body is affected by the hormones secreted by the thyroid gland; therefore it is difficult if not impossible to say that the thyroid has an effect on one organ, more than another. The hormones produced by the thyroid regulate most of the body's organs; the pituitary gland regulates and monitors the amount of the thyroid's hormone levels; telling it what to product, release and store. Too much thyroid hormone, as well as too little, can have an effect upon the body and how it functions. So when the thyroid is functioning well, the whole body is well; but as a thyroid problem develops the body can become ill, and in some cases even die.If the thyroid functions as it should, it regulates the rate of the body's metabolism, the rate of growth, body weight, body temperature, skeletal and muscle strength, heart-rate, breathing, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, brain development, nervous system, concentration, energy level, immune system, condition of tissues, skin and hair. Another primary function of the thyroid is the conversion of iodine into hormones that are used throughout the body, these are thyroxine and triiodothyronine; and if the thyroid is functioning well, it inhibits the production of thyrotropin and thyrotropin which can have a negative effect on the body's organs.There are several thyroid hormone disorders/diseases, some of these are Graves disease (those most affected are 30-50), Autoimmune thyroid syndrome/condition (affecting mostly women), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (one of the autoimmune disorders), Papillary thyroid cancer (most common type of thyroid cancer, and readily spreads to other organs), general Thyroid Endocrine cancer (occurs most often after 40 and is one of the most common endocrine cancers), (Addison's disease - there is a connection between the thyroid pathology and some individuals with Addison's disease), Thyroid Nodules (middle aged women are most effect and most nodules are non-cancerous), Thyroid Eye disease (found most in smokers with thyroid disorders/diseases, including those with Graves disease), Hyperthyroidism (called "overactive thyroid," the thyroid makes excessive hormones), Myxedema Hypothyroidism (can result in coma, even death)…
