Goitre

What is Goitre?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ in the neck, seated just above the trachea, consisting of right and left lobes. It ensures the secretion of thyroid hormones in our body into the blood. The enlargement of the thyroid gland due to various reasons is called goitre.

Growth due to iodine deficiency, which is common in our country, enlargement of nodules in the thyroid gland, growths caused by thyroid cancer are called "goitre" in general terms.

The thyroid nodule is the general name given to the lumps in the thyroid. Thyroid nodules may be on both sides of the thyroid gland and maybe more than one. If there is only one nodule, we call it a "solitary nodule" and if there is more than one, we call it "multiple nodules". Nodules formed in the thyroid gland are due to more than one reason. The most important of these reasons is iodine deficiency. After detecting a nodule in the thyroid gland, thyroid functions should also be checked. This is because these nodules can secrete small or high amounts of thyroid hormone.

Thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland regulate the body's metabolism. The situation in which thyroid hormones are secreted more than normal is called hyperthyroidism (toxic goitre), and the situation in which they are secreted less than normal is called hypothyroidism.

When faced with such a situation, thyroid scintigraphy should be performed.

What should be done in people with nodules in the thyroid gland?

Thyroid function tests (FT3, FT4, TSH)

Thyroid USG

FNAB according to USG findings

Thyroid scintigraphy (if necessary)

When is Surgical Intervention Necessary?

In the presence of cancer suspicion or cancer,

In cases where the thyroid gland is large enough to disturb the patient (cosmetic reasons),

When thyroid gland dysfunctions are seen (some cases of a toxic goitre),

Surgery can be performed in cases where the thyroid gland enlarges and puts pressure on the trachea and oesophagus.