Very often, with diseases of the thyroid gland, the formation of nodes occurs, which are a pathological site of this organ, noticeable both on ultrasound and palpation. The most common are colloidal formations, so-called because they are filled with colloid - the contents of the gland follicles. Such nodes are most often benign and do not in all cases require treatment.
In this article, we will consider what colloidal nodes of the thyroid gland are, the symptoms and treatment of this disease.
general information
Nodes are areas of the gland whose structure is changed. Doctors distinguish different types of such neoplasms, but colloidal are considered the most common. The structure of such a node consists of gland tissue. The difference between healthy tissue and the nodule is that the area of the organ on which this formation occurs begins to work actively, increasing blood flow. This leads to the formation of a nodule.
The causes of the formation of pathology
Colloidal nodes of the thyroid gland most often occur due to a lack of iodine in the body. As a result of this iron, to supplement such a mineral, it begins to produce more cells that capture iodine. Too much colloid is formed, which produces thyroid hormones. As a result, the thyroid gland begins to increase in size, forming nodes.
In addition to lack of iodine, the causes of such a pathological formation are poor ecology and a hereditary predisposition.
Symptoms of pathology
People go to the doctor usually only when certain symptoms occur. For a long time, the colloidal nodes of the thyroid gland can not manifest themselves in any way, and in rare cases the work of the organ itself is not disturbed. But most often they begin to progress, increasing in size and squeezing the neck.
Thus, if colloidal nodes of the thyroid gland have arisen, the symptoms may be as follows:
- due to the fact that the vocal cords begin to squeeze, the voice changes and becomes hoarse;
- exposure to the trachea also begins, leading to shortness of breath;
- due to a compressed esophagus, the swallowing process is disturbed;
- the formation of nodular goiter occurs .
The intensity of the symptoms depends on the size of the node. If it is less than 10 cm, then the patient does not feel anything at all. But the larger the education, the brighter the symptoms of pathology begin to appear. Due to the increased formation of thyroid hormones, the following signs of thyrotoxicosis occur:
- irritability and irritability;
- weight loss;
- tremor of limbs;
- the work of the heart, stomach and intestines is disturbed.
The doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis, focusing on these signs.
Diagnostics
To make a diagnosis, the patient must visit an endocrinologist, who, with the help of an examination, will determine how much the right or left lobe of the gland is enlarged or reduced, as well as its pain and elasticity.
After that, the doctor gives a referral for a complete examination of the patient. He must donate blood to determine the level of hormones.
To carry out scintigraphy, the patient must take a drug in advance containing radioactive iodine, the isotopes of which are absorbed by the tissues of the organ, and a special gamma camera reveals the places of its accumulation. If an increased concentration falls on the site of the site of the node, this indicates excessive absorption of iodine. If the concentration is lowered, then the node does not contain cells that actively produce hormones.
But the main method for diagnosing such a pathology as colloid nodes of the thyroid gland, ultrasound of this body is considered. This method helps to accurately determine the location of the formation and its size.
A fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the gland is considered a modern diagnostic method, which makes it possible to accurately determine the nature of the disease. In this case, for a microscopic examination, a small piece of the node is taken under the control of ultrasound, so as not to accidentally injure adjacent organs.
Treatment
If colloid nodes of the thyroid gland are diagnosed, treatment should be carried out in the following ways:
- Drug therapy. It is prescribed if the functioning of the gland is impaired. For this, hormone replacement therapy is used.
- Surgical intervention. The doctor may prescribe such a treatment if the nodes begin to grow very quickly or have reached a large size. However, such a method is rarely used, since modern medicine has more gentle methods. Surgery is indicated for difficulty breathing and swallowing due to compression of the trachea.
- Destruction of nodes. This is a minimally invasive technique, which includes ethanol sclerotherapy, laser thermotherapy, radiofrequency destruction. Typically, such methods are used to eliminate the symptoms of nodes. This method is considered bloodless, since the skin of the patient is not cut.
It should be remembered that if colloidal nodes of the thyroid gland are diagnosed, the following conditions are considered contraindications for their laser treatment: blood diseases, mental disorders, inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract.
Treatment with folk remedies
Together with drug treatment, traditional medicine can be successfully used. There are many recipes that alleviate the condition of the patient.
Thus, if colloidal nodes of the thyroid gland have been identified , treatment with folk remedies should be as follows:
- The pulp and juice of five lemons are mixed with five cloves of minced garlic and one tablespoon of honey. Within a week, the mixture should be infused in a dark place. Take one teaspoon in the morning and evening.
- It takes 1 tbsp. l seaweed in the form of powder and poured a glass of boiling water. As soon as it swells, it is filtered. Add a clove of garlic, 7 pieces of chopped walnut kernels, as well as cottage cheese. The mixture is seasoned with vegetable oil, mixed and added to food at each meal.
- The following method is also very effective. Forty pieces of green walnuts are washed, dried and poured with honey. The mixture is insisted in a dark room for 40 days. Use it three times a day 40 minutes before eating one teaspoon.
Output
Thus, we found out what are the colloidal nodes of the thyroid gland. If this disease is diagnosed, do not despair. Thanks to special medicines, you can normalize the production of hormones and feel healthy again.