Managing An Enlarged Thyroid

Goiters, also referred to as enlarged thyroids, can occur for many unknown or straightforward reasons. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland beneath the Adam’s apple and produces hormones that regulate metabolism, body temperature, and growth and development. Goiter symptoms can range from a swelling in the neck to difficulty breathing and swallowing. Fortunately, a variety of treatment options exist for enlarged thyroids.

3 Things to Know Before Your FESS surgery

Causes of goiter

Globally, goiters commonly occur due to an iodine deficiency, primarily in central Asian and African countries. Iodine is essential to produce the thyroid hormone. Goiters can also be caused by the formation of a benign nodule within the gland. Finally, goiters can be caused by autoimmune diseases, including Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s disease.

Getting a diagnosis

Doctors can employ several tests to determine the treatment options for a goiter. A physical exam is needed to examine the size of the goiter, the presence of nodules, and signs of tenderness. Doctors may also perform hormone and antibody tests to check for the right levels of both. An ultrasound, thyroid scan, CT scan, or MRI can also be used to get a more accurate representation of the goiter.

Watchful waiting approach

For small goiters, doctors may recommend a patient to closely monitor any goiter-related symptoms or an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Doctors may recommend a visit every 6-12 months to check the size of the thyroid and monitor levels of thyroxine, one of the hormones produced in the thyroid. Severe goiter cases, however, may require goiter surgery immediately.

Thyroid medication

Medication can be used to treat an underactive or overactive thyroid, as well as thyroid inflammation. Some hormone replacement drugs are commonly prescribed to patients with hypothyroidism. For inflammation-induced goiters, doctors may prescribe a corticosteroid medication or aspirin.

Radioactive iodine treatment

Radioactive iodine treatment is prescribed to patients with an overactive thyroid gland. Patients take radioactive iodine orally, which targets and kills cancer cells in the goiter. As a result, the radioactive treatment shrivels the goiter. Patients may also need to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy to manage hormone production.

Goiter surgery

Goiter surgery is a last-ditch effort to remove all or part of an enlarged thyroid gland. Surgery may be necessary if the thyroid disrupts normal swallowing or breathing or if cancer is present. Patients may also need to take thyroid hormone medication for a recommended amount of time to manage hormone production.

Finding the right treatment option

Goiter treatment depends on the size of the goiter, symptoms, and presence of cancerous cells. Many cases can be treated with hormone or anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the growth of the thyroid and nodules. In cases where a goiter growth is excessive or painful symptoms appear, surgery may be needed. Patients should consult with a doctor and consider all the risks and benefits of a goiter surgery to improve the quality of life.

Recent Posts

“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“The nurses were very nice and caring!”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“The nurses were very nice and caring!”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”

“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”

“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”

CONTACT US TODAY!

Please contact us with any questions about your treatment at The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Recent Posts