Among the most common endocrine diseases, especially in women, there are nodes in the thyroid gland. According to health statistics, this disease affects more than 50% of the world's population. At the same time, it is problematic to detect nodes at an early stage, they only palpate in 5-7% of cases.
What is a node in the thyroid gland, what are the causes of it?
This neoplasm is a modified tissue of the organ itself or the growth of the surface of the thyroid gland. In 95% of diagnostic activities it turns out that the tumor is benign in nature and does not pose a health hazard. The compacted gland tissue contains a capsule or the like.
It is worth noting that neither the size of the nodes, nor their number, nor the level of hormones produced, does not affect the character of the tumor, so the benign seal does not become a malignant species.
To put the correct diagnosis in this case it is possible by means of US on ehogennosti. So, the isoechoic node of the thyroid gland indicates minor changes in the tissue of the organ, one can say, excludes cancer. Still such indicators confirm, that the capsule contains the minimum quantity of a liquid or it in general is absent. A hypoechoic thyroid node indicates a high likelihood of a malignant process and significant trophic changes in the tissues.
Among the common causes of the appearance of the described pathology are:
- lack of iodine in the body;
- predisposition at the genetic level;
- exposure to a large number of X-rays or radiation;
- permanent intoxication with toxic chemical compounds.
Symptoms of a node on the thyroid gland
A long period of time, the disease is practically not felt. After a few months symptoms of thyroid disease and growth of the nodes may appear:
- drowsiness and fatigue;
- irritability, nervous instability;
- disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system, constipation;
- fragility of hair, their dryness;
- rapid change in body weight;
- pain in the muscles;
- hot flashes or colds to the limbs;
- dry skin;
- a hoarse voice;
- difficulties in the process of swallowing food;
- dyspnea;
- appearance of venous and vascular networks.
Treatment of Thyroid Nodules
If the neoplasm in question does not cause discomfort during swallowing, breathing does not affect the production of hormones and is not noticeable visually, special therapy is not prescribed. It is required only regular observation at the endocrinologist (visit 1 time in 3-6 months). In rare cases, for the elimination of the node, conservative drug therapy with thyroxine is used. Under the influence of this hormone, the tumor decreases or completely disappears.
Removal of thyroid nodules is performed only when there is a pronounced symptomatology, as well as when malignancy of the tumor is detected. After the operation, long-term maintenance hormonal therapy and monthly follow-up at the endocrinologist will be required.
Consequences of nodes in the thyroid gland
As already mentioned, in most cases, the described pathology has no negative complications. In rare situations, especially with concomitant endocrine diseases, the following consequences may occur:
- joining the infection, and, as a consequence, the development of the inflammatory process, suppuration;
- increased lymph nodes , pain in the neck;
- compression of surrounding tissues, difficulty breathing;
- systemic intoxication.
After an adequate course of treatment, all symptoms are eliminated, even with malignant neoplasm, the prognosis remains favorable.