The article will talk in detail about the diagnosis of thyroid diseases. We will generally consider the topic, but we will delve into the diagnosis of various pathologies. We learn about modern and traditional methods, talk about their advantages and disadvantages.
The thyroid gland regulates the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular system due to the production of hormones. That is why a lot depends on this little defender. If the gland is disturbed, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible to find out the cause and prescribe treatment.
When is a comprehensive examination necessary?
To begin with, we recall that the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction are almost always the same, so confusing them is quite difficult. Firstly, it is discomfort in the neck, fatigue, cough, swelling of the limbs. Also, against this background, a sharp deterioration in the condition of nails, hair, and skin is noted. The listed symptoms are very often characteristic of a number of other diseases. That is why it is worth initially contacting a therapist so that, based on the main complaints of the patient, he gives a referral to a specific doctor.
The main specialist in working with disorders of this gland is an endocrinologist. He will most likely prescribe hormone tests in order to detect inflammatory processes, hormonal failure, or the presence of formations in the gland. However, before making the final diagnosis, the patient will have to undergo many additional procedures.
Often, a study may be prescribed due to regular stress, poor nutrition, or environmental toxicity. All this can easily lead to malfunctioning of the gland. A pathology in which its functions are weakened is called hypothyroidism. It manifests itself in the form of a depression, weight gain, fatigue, constipation. A pathology in which the functions of the gland are too active is called hyperthyroidism. It is manifested by increased irritability, excitability and rapid weight loss with excellent appetite.
Cancer of this organ is manifested by shortness of breath, a feeling of constriction in the neck. Also, the lymph nodes swell, the voice wheezes. Of course, such symptoms can occur with other diseases, but after examination by an endocrinologist, it is better to undergo a comprehensive examination.
Sequence
Diagnosis of the thyroid gland consists of a number of complexes of laboratory and instrumental studies. Initially, the simplest method is used, namely palpation. After this, the patient is referred for ultrasound. If there is a suspicion of the presence of a tumor, puncture and scintigraphy should be performed. It is also very important to take tests for hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Their imbalance is able to indicate the real cause of the violation.
Palpation
The simplest diagnosis of thyroid disease is an examination. An experienced doctor can determine the mobility and size of the gland. He can also determine the presence and location, and even the nature of the goiter. Recall that it can be nodular or diffuse.
During the diagnosis, the doctor wraps around the neck and gently presses on the gland. For the patient, this procedure is almost painless, but it allows you to establish a diagnosis with an accuracy of 60%. In this case, palpation of the lymph nodes is mandatory . So, if they are increased in size against the background of low tooth mobility, then this may indicate the presence of cancerous tumors.
Note that there are 6 levels of gland size. At the zero level, it has a normal size, but at the fifth it can reach significant sizes and greatly complicate breathing. In this case, the doctor should check whether the gland compresses the carotid artery.
Ultrasonography
Ultrasound diagnosis of the thyroid gland allows you to determine the contours of the organ, the homogeneity of its tissues and structure. Thanks to ultrasound, you can find out about the presence or absence of neoplasms. Such data is necessary for the doctor to make a final diagnosis. Thanks to this research method, focal or diffuse disorders can be identified in the organ. Diffuse disturbance implies that there is a change in the structure of the entire gland. Such a pathology can be detected even with palpation. The doctor may notice an increase in body volume.
Focal pathologies mean nodes of inflammation in which tissue proliferation is observed. In this case, pathologies can be complex or diffuse focal, which is quite common. Ultrasound results suggest the presence of adenoma, nodular goiter, thyroiditis, cysts, and cancer. However, this method cannot guarantee the accuracy of the diagnosis. It focuses on an external assessment of the condition of the gland. In order to find out the nature of the course of certain processes, it is necessary to study the level and ratio of hormones. A tissue biopsy may sometimes be required.
Note that in the early stages of the diagnosis of cancer pathologies, electrography is performed. This is also an ultrasound diagnosis of the thyroid gland, which allows you to find out about the density of tissues. Thus, the neoplasm can be determined at the initial stage.
Beam methods
As we know, the thyroid gland is a lobed organ that is located in the middle of the neck. It consists of two lobes on each side, which are connected by an isthmus. In many people, it is absent or is a thin strip of fibrous tissue. Note that the size and volume of the gland may vary depending on gender and age.
Radiation diagnosis of the thyroid gland is a whole complex of actions, which includes radiography and computed tomography. An X-ray image is able to show the presence or absence of certain neoplasms, as well as the deposition of calcium salts. As in the previous diagnostic methods, with the help of X-ray examination, you can find out about the localization and size of the gland. The advantages of this method is that the snapshot is a documentary diagnostic paper and it is static. The disadvantage of this method is that with such an examination, the body receives a certain fraction of the radiation. Despite the fact that it is insignificant, conducting such a study is often not worth it.
Computed tomography is a modern method of research. However, this method is used to study cells. This method is effective if the gland exerts strong pressure on adjacent organs, as well as when it is required to evaluate the method and necessity of surgical intervention. In this case, computed tomography can show the exact location of the neoplasms.
MRI is a method that is absolutely safe for the body. This is an expensive procedure, but it does not expose the affected organ to additional radiation exposure. As a result, the specialist receives a scanned image, in which you can detect the size and location of even small formations, changes in the shape and structure of the gland.
Cytological diagnosis of the thyroid gland
Material for cytological examination is obtained by the method of puncture of the thyroid gland. This is a simple and fairly cheap way, which is also painless. This preoperative method allows morphological verification of a specific process. Often a cytological examination is carried out in parallel with a histological one. The goal of the first is to reduce the number of compulsory surgeries performed by patients without neoplasms. Also often this method is used to prevent malignant lesions. At the same time, he gained great popularity because cases have increased when patients are operated on, even if there is no particular need for it. The fact is that with such an intervention, the risk of various complications increases.
The indication for cytological examination is a tumor. Also, a study by this method is prescribed for nodular formations. In principle, for any small pathologies, it will be correct to conduct such an examination of the organ in order to outline a specific treatment plan. That is why surgeons, cytology and endocrinologists must work together. The essence of their work should consist in a comprehensive diagnosis based on different levels of research.
Consider how the puncture is performed. The patient should take a horizontal position. He is forbidden to talk or swallow. The specialist uses 23 gauge needles to pierce the neck. In this case, local anesthesia can be used. The value of such an analysis increases significantly if the material is immediately evaluated by a cytologist. To obtain the most accurate diagnosis and exclude the possibility of malignant education, at least two punctures are performed.
Differential diagnosis of the thyroid gland
Differential diagnosis involves different methods for diagnosing the thyroid gland. Such a study is necessary if it is difficult to make an unambiguous diagnosis. In this case, the endocrinologist must conduct the maximum number of measures in order to determine the disease. He can connect other specialists who will help him in this. Differential diagnosis involves the use of various techniques in order to achieve an early diagnosis or avoid surgical intervention. Such a follow is quite popular and modern, but at the same time it is expensive.
Other methods
Now consider other diagnostic methods for the thyroid gland in more detail. Scintigraphy is often used. This is a method in which the body is injected with radioisotope substances. They accumulate in the gland, and after that it appears in the pictures after using gamma cameras. Thus, the specialist receives a three-dimensional model of the organ, which clearly shows the accumulation of radioisotopes. This diagnostic method is especially useful for cancerous tumors. Harmful isotopes are very quickly eliminated from the body with the help of feces and urine.
A tissue biopsy is a well-known cellular diagnostic method that is used when cancer is suspected. Thanks to this method, the nature of neoplasms can be determined with absolute accuracy. The principle of this method is that the patient takes a sample of thyroid tissue. Using a special game, the doctor makes several punctures in the neck and transfers the resulting material to the cytologist. In fact, biopsy and puncture are one and the same procedure.
Laboratory thyroid diagnostics
Note that this body produces 2 major hormones T3 and T4, which the body needs for proper metabolism. In this case, the pituitary gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone, which affects the functioning of the gland. It is also necessary to take an analysis on it, because problems with the thyroid gland can be caused by malfunctions in the brain.
There are three types of analysis. The first is radioimmunoassay, which is the most common and accurate way. Venous blood is taken from the patient, which is later mixed with a radioactive reagent that can bind to the hormone. After some time, free and bound substances separate and determine the results. The second type of analysis is luminescent. In this case, venous blood is also taken from the patient and exposed to it with ultraviolet light. After that, the laboratory assistant calculates the amount of the desired hormone using a fluorometer. And the third type of analysis is enzymatic. It is necessary to determine the concentration of thyroid hormones. In this case, venous blood is also taken, which is mixed with the reagent.
Nodal pathologies
Nodes can form in different parts of the gland. They are asymptomatic, therefore, most often they are discovered completely by accident. In this case, nodal pathologies are very common. For their diagnosis using palpation, ultrasound, laboratory tests. Sometimes a biopsy is performed, which can give very accurate results.
We examined all methods for diagnosing thyroid diseases. From this we can conclude that at the moment there are modern techniques that allow you to find out about the state of this organ without surgical intervention. At the same time, ultrasound diagnostics of the thyroid gland remains the most popular research method. In principle, there is nothing wrong with this method, since it provides fairly accurate information. However, treatment depends on the diagnosis of the thyroid gland, so you should very carefully approach this issue and consult with the best specialists.
Remember that doctors advise visiting the endocrinologist’s office every year. Moreover, it is recommended to undergo a diagnosis of thyroid diseases and take tests, even if there are no special indications for this. Starting from 25 years old, every year it is necessary to be comprehensively examined. Timely tests and diagnostics of the thyroid gland will help to avoid a huge variety of problems.
Particular attention to their health should be given to people at risk. These are adults and those who have had cases of thyroid disease in their families. You also need to be careful of those who live in radiation zones and lend themselves to irradiation of the head and neck. Remember that even a detected node may be colloidal, and then no treatment is needed. Such an education should not be removed, since it is not dangerous for health. But at the same time, there can be a serious education from which it is possible to successfully recover only at the beginning of the journey.