Simple Goiter
What? - ANS-Goiter refers to any enlargement of the thyroid gland usually evidenced by
a swelling in the neck
Symptoms and Signs - ANS-A hyperplasia of the thyroid gland, may be asymptomatic in
early stages
Usually female, may be unaware of the condition until anterior aspect of the neck
enlarges
As the hyperplasia increases, it presses on the esophagus, producing difficulty
swallowing
Further pressing on the trachea and producing dyspnea
Weight loss despite a hearty appetite, heat intolerance, tachycardia, anxiety, and
increased sweating may be reported by the patient when there is excessive production
of thyroid hormones
Patient Screening - ANS-Patient complains of an enlargement in the area of thyroid
gland, with or without discomfort in area, should be scheduled for a thorough patient
history and physical exam.
Cuases - ANS-Simple, or nontoxic, goiter results from a shortage of iodine in the diet
Iodine is necessary for the synthesis of both T3 and T4--these are known as the thyroid
hormone. The inadequate blood level of thyroid hormone causes the anterior pituitary
gland to increase its secretion of TSH. TSH keeps attempting to stimulate the thyroid
gland to produce thyroid hormone. This continued stimulation in turn causes thyroid to
increase in size.
Diagnosis - ANS-Examination of the next, noting the enlargement of the thyroid gland
Blood studies indication elevated thyrotropin levels and occasionally reduced levels of
T3 and T4
Measurement of radioactive iodine uptake by the thyroid gland is helpful in determining
the cause of the abnormality
What? - ANS-Goiter refers to any enlargement of the thyroid gland usually evidenced by
a swelling in the neck
Symptoms and Signs - ANS-A hyperplasia of the thyroid gland, may be asymptomatic in
early stages
Usually female, may be unaware of the condition until anterior aspect of the neck
enlarges
As the hyperplasia increases, it presses on the esophagus, producing difficulty
swallowing
Further pressing on the trachea and producing dyspnea
Weight loss despite a hearty appetite, heat intolerance, tachycardia, anxiety, and
increased sweating may be reported by the patient when there is excessive production
of thyroid hormones
Patient Screening - ANS-Patient complains of an enlargement in the area of thyroid
gland, with or without discomfort in area, should be scheduled for a thorough patient
history and physical exam.
Cuases - ANS-Simple, or nontoxic, goiter results from a shortage of iodine in the diet
Iodine is necessary for the synthesis of both T3 and T4--these are known as the thyroid
hormone. The inadequate blood level of thyroid hormone causes the anterior pituitary
gland to increase its secretion of TSH. TSH keeps attempting to stimulate the thyroid
gland to produce thyroid hormone. This continued stimulation in turn causes thyroid to
increase in size.
Diagnosis - ANS-Examination of the next, noting the enlargement of the thyroid gland
Blood studies indication elevated thyrotropin levels and occasionally reduced levels of
T3 and T4
Measurement of radioactive iodine uptake by the thyroid gland is helpful in determining
the cause of the abnormality
