Diffuse-nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland is characterized by a pathological change in the tissues of the organ and the formation of nodes in them. Basically, this disease occurs in women who live in iodine-deficient regions. In the article, we will consider this disease in detail, find out what are the causes and signs of diffuse-nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland, and also find out how diagnostics and treatment are carried out today. In addition, we learn what advice endocrinologists give as part of the prevention of this pathology.
Degrees of pathology
The following degrees of diffuse-nodular thyroid hyperplasia can be distinguished:
- At a zero degree, external signs of an increase, as a rule, are absent, and any complaints in patients are also rare, however, pathological changes already occur in the organ at that time, which can be recorded using ultrasound diagnostics or any laboratory examination.
- Diffuse-nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland of the 1st degree is characterized by the fact that the specialist diagnoses an organ enlargement during palpation, and externally the pathology is visible only when a person swallows food or water.
- Against the background of the development of the second degree, the iron acquires unattractive contours that visually worsen the shape of the neck, since it thickens and characteristic protrusions appear on it, and the directly overgrown organ can begin to exert pressure on the trachea and esophagus, which greatly worsens the patient's well-being.
Causes of pathology
Among the causes of diffuse-nodular thyroid hyperplasia are the following:
- Iodine deficiency in the body, which exists for a long time, forces the thyroid gland to grow and grow in size. Due to this, its secretory function improves.
- Another reason is the increased work of the body in connection with hormonal changes in the body.
- Due to a hereditary predisposition, against the background of which there is a violation of the thyroid metabolism of iodine and the biological synthesis of hormones to varying degrees.
- The development of infectious and inflammatory lesions of the gland tissue.
- The emergence of autoimmune processes of the endocrine system.
- Unfavorable environmental conditions in the area of residence.
- A woman is over fifty years old.
- Performing work in production, which is notable for harmful working conditions, and in addition, causes chronic intoxication of the body.
Symptoms of pathology
Diffuse-nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland of the 1st degree does not have severe symptoms. But with an increase in organ growth, a visual distortion of the standard contours of the neck region is observed, a characteristic protrusion is formed, and complaints arise that the organ presses on the esophagus and trachea. We list the main symptoms of diffuse nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland:
- Visual increase in the organ in the neck, that is, the formation of the so-called goiter.
- Sensation of strong pressure on neighboring organs, which negatively affects the physiological act of breathing and swallowing.
- The appearance of dry cough, which can bother the patient for a long period of time.
- Regularly repeated suffocating attacks that are not associated with heart disease.
- The appearance of a hoarse voice along with a change in its timbre.
In the event that the growing thyroid gland begins to exert strong pressure on the vessels, then patients may experience dizziness with migraine. For the treatment and prevention of diseases of this organ and concomitant violation of the level of hormones T3, T4 and TSH, doctors prescribe various methods of treatment.
Hormone production process
As for the process of hormone production, in the presence of diffuse-nodular hyperplasia of the gland, it can increase, as is the case with thyrotoxicosis, or decrease, for example, with hypothyroidism. At an early stage of the disease, the thyroid gland usually works in a healthy mode.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include the appearance of dry skin, along with hair loss, swelling of the face, lowered body temperature, drowsiness, depression, and pathologies of cardiac activity, which, as a rule, are manifested in the form of chest pain, hypotension, and shortness of breath, can be observed. For the presence of thyrotoxicosis, weight loss, subfebrile condition, exophthalmos, insomnia and excessive irritability are typical.
Diagnosis of the disease
To detect diffuse-nodular thyroid hyperplasia, the following diagnostic measures are required:
- Examination by an endocrinologist.
- Ultrasound diagnostics of the gland.
- Perform laboratory tests. In this case, the patient is taken tests for the level of hormones and antibodies.
- Taking a fine needle biopsy.
- Scintigraphy.
- Performing computed tomography.
Disease treatment
Every person who suffers from an ailment such as diffuse-nodular hyperplasia must be observed by an endocrinologist. Among other things, a therapist with a surgeon should also take part in the treatment of this pathology. This disease is very important in view of its over prevalence. But not every patient can visit medical institutions, and in addition, follow the recommendations of doctors.
Folk techniques
Many often turn to traditional medicine and, thus, consciously avoid the traditional, without realizing the severity of their disease. It is worth emphasizing that in relation to this disease, the effectiveness of folk methods does not receive scientific approval. Treatment of this pathology with some alternative methods can even be dangerous.
For example, in no case is it recommended that you independently prescribe yourself large doses of iodine, regardless of whether the medicine is of organic or inorganic origin. Since with this type of hyperplasia focal formations have already been formed in the tissues, against the background of which the unjustified use of iodine can lead to thyrotoxicosis. Thus, many folk recipes often with this ailment turn out to be ineffective or completely useless, therefore, it is impossible to delay with professional treatment by an endocrinologist.
Conservative therapy
At an early stage of the disease, with a zero degree of hyperplasia, patients are prescribed conservative therapy aimed at normalizing the functioning of the thyroid gland. As part of its implementation, it is important to systematically adjust the prescribed dosage of drugs, based on changes in the general condition of the endocrine organ, and also its activity should be taken into account.
In the event that drug treatment of diffuse nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland does not give the desired result, and the patient feels much worse, and the pathology continues to worsen, then there is a need for surgical intervention.
Surgical intervention
Surgical treatment is also required for patients suffering from compression by the gland of such important organs as the esophagus and trachea. The operation is also required for those patients in whom atypical cells in the altered gland tissue were found during the histological examination.
The second degree of the disease is characterized by a significant increase in nodal changes that can grow from three centimeters or more. In these cases, surgery to remove the nodes will not be the only step on the path to recovery, as they can grow again. In this regard, a further fight against the recurrence of the disease will be to eliminate the pathogenic factors that provoke thyroid disease.
Surgery is often the only option to save a patient’s life. This is because the neglected course of the disease can lead to the fact that a growing neoplasm in the gland can degenerate into a malignant manifestation.
Prevention
The prophylaxis of the diffuse-nodal form of dishormonal hyperplasia, as a rule, consists in the use of products that are enriched in iodine. In addition, it is very important to prevent any colds and stress factors. In the event that there are suspicions of an enlargement of the gland, then it is mandatory to confirm or refute them by contacting a specialist.
Recovery period and disease prognosis
Hyperplasia of the thyroid gland acts as a benign pathological process. True, against the background of the progression of this pathology, the human body begins to experience a lack of the T4 hormone, which is extremely negative for the work of the heart and can even lead to the death of the patient. The results of treatment directly depend on the underlying disease, which led to the development of hyperplasia. If this pathology is detected at an early stage, the prognosis is usually favorable.
Absolute restoration of the function of the gland and a decrease in its size after a person undergoes replacement treatment with synthetic hormones usually occurs within three to six months. Someone needs a longer period to recover. In many ways, the speed of recovery depends on the effectiveness of the treatment of the causes of the disease.
Not everyone knows that this is nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland.
In the case of a nodular form of hyperplasia, its symptoms completely disappear in only one third of patients receiving replacement therapy. At this stage, an effective method of treatment is surgical intervention. However, even in cases of an adequate response to the use of substitution treatment, repeated episodes of the disease can again be observed after several years, and in some situations after a couple of months.
Diffuse-nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland that arose against the background of cancer has an extremely poor prognosis and, in the case of insufficiently correct diagnosis and inadequate therapy, may cause the death of the patient.
Endocrinologist Tips
Currently, such a phenomenon as diffuse-nodular thyroid hyperplasia is a fairly common disease.
In this regard, doctors are extremely concerned about this issue and are strongly advised to comply with the following recommendations:
- The main measure in the framework of the prevention of this disease is the mandatory use of only iodized salt, and in addition, seafood. In addition, eggs, milk, beef and other foods rich in iodine should be given preference in food.
- In addition to iodine-rich nutrition, endocrinologists strongly recommend a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly. Engaging in any active activities, whether running, swimming or just physical labor, perfectly normalize blood circulation and serve as an excellent prevention against various diseases, including diffuse-nodular thyroid hyperplasia.
- It is equally important to attend regular preventive examinations by a doctor and carry out activities aimed at increasing immunity.
- Pregnant women should carefully monitor their nutrition and weight, as extra pounds can also affect the development of this pathology.
- In order to avoid the development of complications, you must immediately and without delay respond to any change in well-being and try not to expose your body to stress.
Thus, diffuse-nodular hyperplasia is a widespread pathology that can be prevented if you regularly visit the endocrinologist for examinations and follow basic medical advice.