Diffuse changes in the thyroid gland are changes in all tissues of the thyroid gland. They can be identified using ultrasound (ultrasound examination). They are not a disease and occur due to some biochemical processes.

Causes

Doctors identify several reasons why diffuse changes in the thyroid gland occur.

These include:

• lack of iodine;
• imbalance of hormones;
• autoimmune disorders;
• inflammatory processes;
• improper and unbalanced food intake;
• a sharp change in the ecological environment that occurred due to various factors.

If a person lives in an endemic environment where there is a lack of iodine, then he may experience some diseases associated with its deficiency.

If there is a violation in the work of the gland, then this changes its structure and tissue. It may increase (organ hyperplasia).

Inflammation occurs due to autoimmune disorders. This causes chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (HAIT). With this disease, the production of lymphocytes and antibodies increases. They damage the tissue of the body.

If the body does not receive enough iodine from the food consumed, then the functioning of the hormone-producing organ fails. Also, failures occur with an excess of iodine. Therefore, it is very important to monitor its amount when eating food.

Diffuse changes in the thyroid gland occur in some ailments.

These include:

• goiter endemic and mixed;
• goiter toxic diffuse;
• subacute thyroiditis;
• chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.

Symptoms

With certain factors, signs of diffuse changes in the thyroid gland appear:

• goiter, which increases its size;
• hyperplasia;
• on ultrasound, the contour of the organ is blurred;
• heterogeneity and foci appear;
• organ malfunctions.

Failures are of 2 types - hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Changes can be recognized by the following symptoms.

• dry hair;
• fragility of nail plates;
• frequent illnesses;
• weakness and fatigue;
• anxiety;
• neurotic state;
• depressive state;
• memory impairment;
• jumps in body weight that are not associated with eating;
• disruptions in the endocrine system;
• problems with sexual functions;
• Difficulties with stools independent of eating.

Echo signs are manifested by seals and nodes in the tissues of the thyroid gland, as well as the presence of uneven density. There is a persistent dynamics of the growth of the size of the node.

Most often, diffuse changes in the thyroid gland are diagnosed by chance during an examination by a doctor. He may notice a slight hyperplasia of the thyroid gland and send the patient for examination.

Forms

Parenchymal changes

The parenchyma performs important functions and consists of different tissues (hematopoietic and epithelial, as well as nerve cells and others). The parenchyma can work correctly only together with the stroma. They form a duet that allows the body to function properly.

Parenchyma tissues are composed of follicles of various sizes. They are shrouded in vessels and lymphatic capillaries. The main function of the follicles is the production of hormones, which include iodine molecules.

Diffuse changes in the thyroid parenchyma occur in the follicles. They are considered structural and functional parts. In this case, the entire parenchymal tissue changes. This causes hyperplasia of the gland and affects both lobes of the organ.

More often it is found on examination by a doctor and during an ultrasound scan. Diffuse thyroid parenchymal changes will be diagnosed even when the signs are not obvious. At this time, nothing bothers a person yet, but the gland is already hard to work. The patient can accelerate the development of the disease by stress, overstrain, both physical and mental, as well as various infections.

When the functioning of the thyroid gland is disturbed, a hormonal imbalance occurs. This negatively affects the health and functioning of the body as a whole. Basically, changes in the parenchyma (diffuse) appear due to hormonal failure and provoke an increase in the organ (may occur in adults, children and adolescents).

Diffuse-focal changes

Diffuse-focal changes in the thyroid gland are expressed in the form of hyperplasia of the organ with the manifestation of foci, with altered structures and tissues. Formations can be detected on ultrasound, but they can be of different types.

These include:

• cystic;
• adenoma;
• teratoma;
• hemangioma;
• paraganglioma;
• lipoma;
• oncological tumors (cancerous).

They are not separate diseases and appear with an imbalance of some functions, and can also occur with the following ailments:

• nodular and mixed goiter;
• thyroid adenoma;
• autoimmune thyroiditis in a chronic form (chaitis);
• oncological diseases of the organ.

The manifestation of diffuse-focal changes may indicate that tumors of a malignant or benign form are developing in the body.

They can be seen on ultrasound, which is allowed to do to children and adolescents. HAIT during examination is important to differentiate from diseases.

Treatment for HAIT is carried out and prescribed individually.

Diffuse-nodular changes

Nodular diffuse changes in the thyroid gland can be detected during palpation. This is possible due to the fact that the gland is located almost on the surface, and it can be easily felt, especially with hyperplasia.

Most often, nodes occur due to parenchymal changes with an increase in follicles. Doctors characterize the node as a separate, capsular formation, limited from healthy tissues.

Usually such changes do not make themselves felt for a long time. When they begin to change size, usually increasing, this affects the performance of organs and tissues. Most often, patients complain of a change in voice, a feeling of suffocation and a feeling of the presence of a foreign object in the neck. It is also possible the appearance of pain due to structural changes in the larynx.

It is important to note that often a benign formation turns into a malignant form.

Doctors call this process - malignancy. The reasons for the occurrence of nodal changes have not yet been fully studied, and are currently ongoing. Therefore, patients with such a diagnosis must be constantly under the supervision of a doctor.

It can also be a symptom of diseases such as:

• fibrocystic adenoma;
• carcinoma.

Formations of a malignant form are easily seen on ultrasound. Their structure differs in heterogeneity and echogenicity of tissues.

Diffuse-cystic changes

This type is a cystic formation in the tissues of the thyroid gland with its hyperplasia. They are cavitary and have a limiting capsule separating them from healthy tissues. Their cavities are filled with colloidal fluid. It contains hormones produced by the gland.

They may not appear for a long time or the symptoms may be blurred. Most often they are found at the appointment with the endocrinologist.

Basically, they manifest themselves in the form of an increase in the thyroid gland with suppuration or infection. This is accompanied by signs that are characteristic of inflammatory processes in an acute form. There is a high body temperature and pain in the area of ​​the cyst.

People with these changes need to visit a doctor regularly and undergo examinations.

Diffuse moderate changes

Moderate diffuse changes in the thyroid gland can be determined by ultrasound. At the same time, the gland is slightly enlarged. They do not cause severe discomfort because their size is small. At the same time, the organ itself works in the normal mode without failures.

With such a change, there are no foci, the parenchyma has an increased size, but without changes in its tissues.

Usually, doctors do not prescribe treatment when changing the moderate form. This only happens when the patient has symptoms or pain.

It is necessary to visit the doctor regularly and monitor the development of changes.

Diffuse pronounced changes

This form of change is manifested by a significant increase in the thyroid gland. Can be determined by ultrasound.

Pronounced changes are manifested in some diseases of the organ.

These include:

• thyroiditis of an autoimmune nature or aitis;
• hyperthyroidism, which appears during Graves' disease (Graves' disease).

Sometimes with such a change, cystic and nodular types of formations are observed.

This is mainly due to a violation of the work and functioning of the gland, which negatively affects the hormonal background of the body. The body begins to intensively produce hormones, or vice versa. A pronounced diffuse change can disrupt the functioning of the cardiac, nervous, reproductive systems, as well as the blood vessels of the body. These failures occur in case of improper functioning of the thyroid gland.

They can occur in children, adolescents and women. It is rare in men.

Changes by type of AIT

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) appears, as a rule, in people who have reached the age of 39-43 years. Most often, women suffer from it, recently children and adolescents are affected by it. AIT is mainly due to hereditary factors, but some pathological changes can also provoke it - overweight, bad habits and malnutrition.

With autoimmune thyroiditis, the immunity and working capacity of a person decreases, problems with stools arise, hair and nails become brittle, and sexual activity is disturbed.

AIT can be detected by ultrasound, CT and MRI. When confirming the presence of changes and different echogenicity in the tissues, a diagnosis of "autoimmune thyroiditis" is made.

Diagnostics

In the thyroid gland, diffuse changes can be diagnosed in the following ways:

• examination by an endocrinologist;

Most often, ultrasound is used, this is the safest method of examination. It gives the most accurate results.

Indications for an ultrasound examination may be as follows:

• a person's complaints about their health;
• external changes in the gland;
• clearly defined violations of the work of the body;
• unsatisfactory results of blood and urine tests.

Diffuse changes are detected in the presence of echogenic tissues. There may also be a different echostructure of the organ. This is indicated by reduced or increased echogenicity in different parts of the organ.

Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging well detects foci and diffuse lesions. Also, with their help, the doctor sees the picture completely, which allows him to accurately determine the diagnosis.

Treatment

The choice of treatment method depends on the strength of the increase and the types of changes in the thyroid gland.

If they are caused by iodine deficiency, then doctors recommend eating foods rich in this substance.

These include:

• seaweed;
• buckwheat;
• sea ​​fish;
• Red caviar;
• feijoa;
• apple seeds.

Sometimes iodine-containing drugs are prescribed.

During treatment, it is necessary to control the level of iodine in the body and when it reaches the norm, you need to stop taking iodine-containing drugs.

With an increased content of iodine, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of foods rich in this substance. The doctor may prescribe special means to reduce its content.

Treatment is carried out in courses with constant supervision by a doctor, it is also necessary to periodically check the content of hormones in the blood. This is done with the help of special analyzes in the laboratory.

Some forms of goiter require surgical treatment. In the postoperative period, hormonal preparations are prescribed, which ensure stable remission and prevent recurrence.

Such treatment is prescribed on an individual basis based on the symptoms and concomitant diseases, as well as their strength.

Self-treatment can lead to deterioration and serious consequences.

Prevention

You can avoid the occurrence of diffuse changes, autoimmune and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis by following simple rules.

These include:

• control of iodine intake;
• maximum reduction of stressful situations;
• taking vitamins;
• regular visits to the doctor;
• timely treatment of all diseases.

Such simple rules will help to avoid unpleasant consequences associated with structural changes in the thyroid gland.

Forecast

With diffuse changes in the thyroid gland, the prognosis is favorable, in case of timely treatment. This means that you need to closely monitor your health and the health of your child.

Any disturbance in the functioning of the thyroid gland affects many processes in the human body. With pathological changes, the thyroid gland increases in size, but in the early stages of the disease, symptoms can be expressed quite weakly. The norm of the thyroid gland by ultrasound allows you to accurately determine its volume and structure, quickly make a diagnosis.

Normal ultrasound readings

Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland allows you to quickly and accurately determine the actual state of the organ. Normally, it is located in the middle or lower part of the larynx, has clear, even edges.

The structure of the gland should be granular, homogeneous, consisting of small follicles that produce hormones.

The sizes of the right and left lobes should be the same, and the volume should not exceed the limit values. The average parameters of one lobe are 2x2x4 cm, but they may vary depending on weight, age and gender.

In a healthy person, according to the results of ultrasound, the thickness of the connecting isthmus is about 5 mm, but the isthmus is not taken into account when determining the norm of an organ. There are cases when the isthmus is completely absent or the presence of a third lobe (pyramidal) is recorded, which is also not considered a pathology. In addition, adjacent lymph nodes should not be enlarged, the size of the parathyroid glands should be approximately 5 mm, the structure of the tissues of the neck and larynx is homogeneous.

Table

The parameters of an organ are significantly affected by body weight.

The size of the thyroid gland in the norm by ultrasound in adults is determined using the table of correspondence of body weight to the volume of the endocrine gland:

In children and adolescents under 16 years of age, the indicators of the thyroid gland are as follows:

The normal size of the thyroid gland may vary depending on the sex of the child. In girls and boys of the same age, the difference in thyroid volume can be up to 1.5 cm³.

How to calculate the volume of the thyroid gland on ultrasound

Ultrasound diagnostic data may contain the length, width and height of the gland. You can independently calculate the volume for each share using the formula:

V = WxDxH0.479,

where W is the width;

D - length;

B - height;

0.479 is the ellipsoid coefficient.

Summing up the resulting data for each of the lobes, the total size of the organ is obtained.

Possible deviations

Abnormalities detected by ultrasound may indicate various diseases:

• inflammatory processes with a heterogeneous structure of the thyroid gland and high echogenicity;
• the presence of benign or malignant formations in the detection of seals, clearly distinguishable against the background of healthy tissues;
• the growth of a cyst in the detection of a formation with clear contours, filled with fluid;
• the development of toxic goiter with an increase in the entire gland or only the right or left lobe;
• the development of hypothyroidism with a decrease in the gland;
• the development of viral thyroiditis with swelling and an increase in the size of the thyroid gland.

If the size of the thyroid gland on ultrasound differs from the norm by 1 cm³, then this is not considered a pathology.

Diffuse nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland - what is it and how to fight?

Diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland is provoked by various factors. These deviations can be detected by palpation or ultrasound diagnostics.

Diffuse changes is a general term that refers to various pathological phenomena in the structure of an organ. They are directly related to the violation of the production of certain hormones.

Diffuse changes in the thyroid gland in women are observed more often, since they are more prone to hormonal instability.

But in general, this phenomenon can occur in any person, regardless of age and gender.

Diffuse changes and their forms

1. Diffuse changes in the thyroid parenchyma is a mutation of the epithelial tissue, consisting of follicles that contribute to the stable production of hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

Improper functioning of this tissue leads to active division and proliferation of cells in the parenchyma.

As a result, diffuse hyperplasia of the thyroid gland can form - a change in the volume of the organ, its increase, which is easy to palpate. When the stage is running, it can even be visually seen.

1. Diffuse changes in the structure of the thyroid gland completely modify the entire organ: its tissues, structure, size. Density can be increased (hyperechogenicity) or decreased (hypoechogenicity). You can determine the exact changes using ultrasound, after which the doctor will prescribe an individual treatment.

Signs of diffuse changes in the structure of the thyroid gland form a general disruption in the endocrine system. They also cause the appearance of osteoporosis (bone fragility) and progressive caries, due to improper regulation of calcium metabolism.

1. Diffuse-focal changes in the thyroid gland have a certain localization. Only certain parts of the organ are susceptible to pathological change.

Modified foci are separated from healthy tissue by a special capsule. Because of them, focal hyperplasia can form - an uneven increase in the structure.

A common cause of these changes is nodular or mixed goiter, tumors of various origins.

This pathology is easily seen on ultrasound. It can be expressed as:

• adenoma (benign tumor of various glands);
• lipoma (fatty tumor);
• teratoma (embryonic tumor);
• hemangioma (benign tumor, mainly in newborns);
• carcinoma (malignant tumor).

1. Diffuse cystic changes are provoked by the formation of a cyst. It is separated from healthy tissue by a capsule with a cavity structure, which is filled with fluid and hormones produced by the gland.

Symptoms are almost absent. Only a doctor can detect it. But with the subsequent development and growth of a certain part of the gland, there is a risk of complications and a sensation of a foreign neoplasm in the neck.

In addition, cysts often undergo infectious suppuration, which is accompanied by a severe inflammatory process - fever, global intoxication of the whole organism, and pain in the localization area.

Timely treatment will prevent the transformation of a benign formation into a malignant tumor and prevent all other unpleasant consequences.

1. Diffuse-nodular changes in the structure of the thyroid gland are easy to determine by palpation or ultrasound. Since the thyroid gland is in close proximity to the surface of the skin, a specialist can easily feel the formation of nodes.

Diffuse nodules are enlarged thyroid follicles. They are created with a shell that separates them from the rest of the healthy part of the body.

If the thyroid nodule is larger than 1 cm, then you need to make sure that it does not represent a malignant tumor.

Nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid gland is a dense neoplasm that can be unevenly distributed and enlarged throughout the gland, or in its individual lobes. The more nodes formed, the higher the likelihood of carcinoma.

Diffuse changes in the thyroid gland are divided according to the severity into:

• moderate;
• expressed.

Moderate diffuse changes in the thyroid gland retain a homogeneous structure of the organ, without general and focal changes.

There are minor modifications of the parenchyma of the gland that require periodic monitoring, but, in general, do not require special treatment.

Pronounced diffuse changes have vivid symptoms. The functioning of the gland changes, the size and structure are modified.

The thyroid gland produces either too many hormones, or vice versa, it produces an insufficient amount, changing the overall hormonal background.

Because of this, problems can arise not only in the endocrine system, but throughout the body. The work of the nervous, cardiovascular, reproductive systems is disrupted, the general well-being of the patient worsens.

There may be pain caused by goiter. This begins to be slightly felt with thyroid hyperplasia of the 2nd degree, by the 5th degree the pain and discomfort reach critical results: the compression is maximized.

Most often, these changes occur against the background of autoimmune thyroiditis or hyperthyroidism.

Factors contributing to the development of diffuse change

Thyroid tissues are modified due to several reasons.

1. An insufficient amount of iodine consumed causes minor manifestations of diffuse changes, manifested as endemic goiter.

Most often they are associated with the geographical area of ​​\u200b\u200bresidence. People living near the ocean or the sea suffer from the disease much less frequently than those who live in regions remote from sea air.

1. Violation of the hormonal background and the functioning of the body. Hormones are not reproduced in the right amount, or vice versa, they are produced in excess by the gland.

Even small functional transformations lead to a malfunction of the endocrine system, which contributes to the manifestation of various symptoms.

1. Diseases of an autoimmune nature, accompanied by inflammatory processes. The immune system stops recognizing its own organ.

It produces special antibodies that affect thyroid cells. This pathology is common. It is called chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CHAI).

Graves' disease (diffuse toxic goiter) is less common - antibodies of the immune system do not destroy cells, but provoke their growth and increased production of hormones.

1. infectious processes. Various bacteria enter the thyroid gland with the bloodstream, causing inflammation. A striking example of such an infection is de Quervain's thyroiditis, which occurs after a viral illness.
2. The use of products that interfere with the production of the necessary hormones. These include: corn, beans, soybeans, peanuts, cabbage.

You do not need to completely abandon them, it is better to evenly distribute them in your diet. At the same time, do not forget to eat foods rich in iodine: seaweed, seafood, apple seeds.

1. Ecologically unfavorable regions with an exceeded radiation zone or other deviations.
2. Lifestyle: obesity or exhaustion of the body, smoking, frequent stress, overwork, alcohol abuse.

How to recognize the symptoms?

The thyroid gland acquires certain modifications:

• its contours change, they become fuzzy and blurry;
• changes in the structure of the thyroid gland occur, it becomes heterogeneous, changes density;
• the volume of the entire gland or individual lobes increases (an increase in the thyroid gland of the 1st degree is less noticeable than the hyperplasia of the 5th degree);
• functional disorders occur - the gland begins to produce hormones incorrectly.

Functional disorders lead to various diseases. A diffuse change in the parenchyma of the thyroid gland like AIT or other disorders of the body can provoke hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormones).

And thyrotoxicosis (an excess of hormones) often occurs due to subacute thyroiditis or Basedow's disease.

Accompanying symptoms may vary depending on the specific disease. For example, hyperthyroidism is characterized by:

• nervous excitability, aggression;
• sudden weight loss with improved appetite;
• heart palpitations;
• ophthalmic problems;
• diarrhea.

Hypothyroidism is accompanied by other symptoms:

• weakness and general apathy;
• weight gain with loss of appetite;
• deterioration of the structure of hair and nails;
• constipation;
• constant chills.

HAIT can speed up the work of the heart and increase blood pressure.

Hyperplasia will be characterized by an increased volume and growth of the thyroid gland, and diffuse hypoplasia of the thyroid gland, on the contrary, will have a clear underdevelopment of the organ - structural reductions in the size of the entire gland, or its lobes. The symptoms accompanying them, respectively, will also differ.

In general, all obvious changes lead to disorders of the endocrine and immune systems, reduce intellectual performance and reduce vigorous activity, contribute to the development of neurosis and depression, increase fatigue, lead to a sharp fluctuation in weight, affect the entire body and its functioning.

How to diagnose and treat diffuse changes?

Diffuse changes are diagnosed using laboratory tests and ultrasound, it is possible to use various tomographies (CT, MRI).

The best and safest method for an accurate diagnosis will be determined by an endocrinologist. Only after its conclusion and measurement of the level of hormones, treatment with prophylactic and medicinal agents can begin.

Medications are selected individually, taking into account the specific type of diffuse changes in the patient.

• With a lack of thyroid hormones - hypothyroidism, HAIT, hypogenesis - they can prescribe their synthetic analogue - Euthyrox or L-thyroxine.
• In hyperthyroidism, Basedow's disease, special thyreostatics are prescribed, which contribute to the suppression of hormones. It can be Mercazolil or Tyrozol.
• For minor disorders of the thyroid gland, preparations with potassium iodide are used - Iodomarin, Yodex.
• A strong increase in the thyroid gland or its nodes is treated with surgery. Such a need may arise due to the steady compression of other organs that cannot function normally.

Medical treatment is best supported by ongoing prophylaxis. Eat right: balance your diet, include in it a sufficient amount of iodine, which synthesizes thyroid hormones.

Avoid stress and restore the body with the help of spiritual practices: qigong, yoga, breathing exercises.

Consume vitamins and support your immune system. Such an integrated approach will help to avoid complications and achieve good results.

Signs and treatment of diffuse changes in the thyroid gland

What is diffuse goiter? Changes in the thyroid gland can lead to serious consequences. One of these is diffuse goiter of the thyroid gland. With such a pathology, an increase in the organ occurs with the formation of seals and nodes.

Currently, changes in the thyroid gland can occur in many. To varying degrees, the manifestation of pathology can be observed in 50% of the inhabitants of the planet who live in endemic zones. In other people, the incidence of the disease is 20%.

Changes in the thyroid gland can occur with disturbances in the hormonal background. It can be high or low. Such a disease requires special treatment. Sometimes the treatment is carried out with the help of surgery.

Diffuse thyroid goiter: symptoms and causes

Thyroid changes happen for a variety of reasons. Usually, the manifestation of the disease is associated with such ailments in the human body:

1. Diffuse toxic goiter. Pathology is characterized by an increased level of hormone production.
2. Diffuse colloid goiter. The number of follicles increases.
3. endemic goiter. An increase in the thyroid gland associated with a small amount of iodine in the body.

Factors that can cause thyroid dysfunction:

1. Heredity. The disease can often occur in couples and their children. This is due to disorders in the immune system, which can be inherited. In this case, an increase in antibodies is observed in the blood, which contribute to the growth of the organ. There is a growth of bodies and cells that cause intoxication.
2. Insufficient amount of iodine. The thyroid gland requires a constant amount of iodine. She needs this for activity and the production of hormones. If such an element is not enough, then this will lead to an increase in the number of cells.
3. Taking medications containing iodine. When a person works in negative conditions, where there is a lot of iodine in the air, for example, during its production, the body gradually begins to absorb the excess of this element. As a result, there is an increase in the amount of hormones. Sometimes, to get rid of such a pathology, an operation is required to remove the secret.
4. Floor. Usually changes in the thyroid gland can be observed in women. They suffer from this disease more often. It depends on the characteristics of the endocrine system. In the body of a woman, there may be violations of the production of hormones during pregnancy, menopause, menstruation and other points. Also, the manifestation of pathology can be affected by the use of hormonal contraceptives, which were used without the knowledge of the doctor.
5. Age. When the immune system works most actively, and this happens before the age of 40, such a pathology may manifest itself.
6. Disorders of the autoimmune type. When the body fails in the activity of immunity, antibodies are able to infect the cells of the body, perceiving them as strangers. In this case, there may be a violation of the work of all systems, including the thyroid gland.

It should be noted that not all people who have predisposing factors may develop such diseases. Trigger factors are also capable of provoking the disease. It:

• Exhaustion of the body with constant nervous strain. With prolonged stress, a violation of the work of the secret can occur.
• Decreased immunity. Constant hypothermia or heavy loads. As a result, antibodies enter the bloodstream that can cause an increase in the organ.
• Operations on the thyroid gland. After the intervention of the surgeon, tissue formations may appear at the site of the removed node.

External manifestations

Signs of diffuse changes in the thyroid gland may not appear at the initial stage of the development of the pathology. When the organ begins to grow and reaches 30-40 grams in weight, this can cause a tumor on the neck. The enlargement of the thyroid gland usually occurs evenly.

Internal disturbances can also occur. They depend on the development of pathology. When the secret is 40-60 grams, it will begin to compress the tissues, nerves and organs that are located near it. A person has the following symptoms:

• Discomfort in the neck.
• Difficulty in swallowing.
• Increased breath noise.
• The head is spinning.
• Shortness of breath appears.

Also, a person is able to determine thyroid disorders himself. For this research is carried out with the help of palpation. She may be:

1. Surface. When you run your palm along the front of the neck, you can feel the organ. It will not have knots and seals. Its texture will be soft.
2. Deep. This procedure must be carried out by a doctor. He checks the gland itself, determines its size and determines the number of seals.

If the disease has caused a person to start increasing the production of hormones, then this may affect his condition. The patient will show the following factors:

• The rhythm of the myocardium will increase.
• The apple of the eye will increase.
• Sweating will increase.
• The body weight will decrease.
• There will be trembling in the limbs.
• In women, menstruation will be disturbed.

But doctors note that with such a pathology, the thyroid gland can work in its normal mode. Sometimes certain factors may appear that will indicate violations in the system. It:

• Decreased appetite and weight gain. This suggests that the metabolism in the body is slowed down. The body does not consume all the calories that enter it with food, and stores some of them as fat.
• Puffiness. Such manifestations are noticeable on the face. Sometimes swelling can appear on the limbs. It is not always possible to get rid of such manifestations with the help of drugs.
• Dryness of the epidermis. It happens due to malfunction of the glands that secrete lubricant.

Diagnosis

Goiter of the thyroid gland, which can cause thickening on the neck, is diagnosed in several stages. Initially, the doctor examines the patient and clarifies his symptoms. At this stage, he can determine the stage of the disease.

It can be of the following types:

• First. There are no external changes.
• Second. You can notice an increase in the neck during visual inspection.
• Third. The goiter is pronounced.

After being examined by a doctor, he is usually given a referral for an ultrasound scan and blood tests to determine the amount of hormones.

Ultrasound procedure

It is painless and allows the doctor to determine the signs of pathology.

Blood test

When conducting hormonal testing, a specialist determines the amount of TSH, toxins and triiodothyronine in the material. After that, a biochemical blood test is performed.

With the help of it, one cannot immediately see the changes that have occurred in secret, but one can determine how the pathology affected the general condition of the person. This can be determined by the amount of hormones in the blood.

x-ray

Such a test is carried out in the case when the organ is greatly enlarged. With the help of x-rays, you can determine how the thyroid gland compresses the esophagus. Also, the doctor can determine the level of displacement of the secret and its effect on tissues that are located nearby.

Biopsy

This type of diagnosis is carried out when other seals or tumors are detected near the thyroid gland during other diagnostic methods. This will help confirm or refute the suspicion of cancer.

CT

This diagnostic method makes it possible to see the affected organ in a three-dimensional image. The following changes can speak about pathology:

• Enlarged secret.
• Dilated vessels.
• Smooth edges of the organ.
• No cysts.

Pregnancy

In a woman, such a pathology can occur after conception. During the period of gestation, the correct functioning of the thyroid gland is important, and therefore, if it is violated, all other hidden diseases can appear.

During this period, the diagnosis and treatment of the disease differ from the usual. Often, symptoms do not appear, and therefore instrumental and laboratory testing will be required.

Be sure to test TSH for those women who have previously had a miscarriage or terminated pregnancy. Ultrasound is done for everyone without exception.

Treatment of the disease at this point is treated with levothyroxine, thyreostatics and potassium iodide. It is also important to regulate the work of the thyroid gland. For this, special medicines are also prescribed. When the gland does not work properly, it will affect the development of the fetus, and can also cause a miscarriage.

It is worth noting that it is forbidden to treat goiter during the period of gestation with the help of folk recipes. The effectiveness of this method may not be high, but it will lead to undesirable consequences.

Surgery during this period is also rarely performed. But if necessary, the goiter can be removed only at the initial stage of pregnancy. It is necessary to carry out treatment only after a thorough examination.

Sometimes it can be carried out for 4-6 weeks. During lactation, it is also forbidden to treat goiter with folk recipes.

Treatment

During therapy, doctors direct all their efforts to normalize the production of hormones. For this, medical methods with the use of certain drugs, as well as surgery, can be used. It all depends on the condition of the person, age and other factors.

Drug treatment: iodine

There are preparations containing iodine in their warehouse. They can make up for its deficiency in the body. But you should be careful when taking such medications, since a large amount of iodine can also negatively affect the state of the thyroid gland.

Among the most effective means with a high content of iodine in its composition are the following:

• Diiodotyrosine. They contain acid, which helps to produce thyroxin.
• potassium iodide. When it enters the thyroid gland, a molecule that is part of the hormones is released. Also, the drug can reduce the sensitivity of the thyroid gland to negative influences.

Antithyroid drugs

They help slow down the production of hormones and slow down the synthesis processes. Usually such drugs are used before the operation.

Thyroid hormones

These medications block the growth of goiter and also control the timing of hormone production.

b-blockers

When interruptions in the work of the myocardium begin to appear during the disease, this remedy is used. It gives strength to the heart to pump the right amount of blood and lowers blood pressure.

Sedatives

Reduce anxiety and improve sleep.

Steroids

With the help of them, the main symptoms are eliminated. The use of these drugs is recommended to begin immediately after diagnosing the disease.

It is important to note that in the treatment of goiter with medications, the patient must be constantly examined in the clinic. Based on the test data, it is possible to determine the effectiveness of therapy and adjust the dose of drugs. It also makes it possible to avoid complications.

Surgical intervention

Indications for the operation:

1. Pathology is severe.
2. Greatly enlarged goiter.
3. Allergy to medicines.
4. There is no positive effect from drugs.

Contraindications:

1. Disorders in the work of the myocardium.
2. Diseases of other organs dangerous for anesthesia.

Preparation

Before the operation, 10-14 days before the operation, the patient is prescribed medication that reduces the level of hormones. Also used are drugs that reduce the level of blood flow in the thyroid gland. It is also important to prepare the myocardium for surgery. Antibiotics are used for inflammation in the body.

Before the operation, another examination of the patient is performed. According to the test results, one can judge the readiness for surgery of the thyroid gland and other organs.

Do the following tests:

• blood.
• Urine.
• X-ray.

When all tests are normal, then only after that an operation is prescribed. It is done under general anesthesia. During the operation, the main part of the thyroid gland is removed. Only a small fragment of it remains, which will allow you to support the body and refuse to constantly take iodine-containing drugs.

Rehabilitation

A month and a half after the operation, the patient is discharged. Initially, you need to eat only liquid food. After 1-2 weeks, you can eat normal food. But here you will have to control its caloric content, since after the secretion is removed, the metabolism in the body decreases.

It is also important to take vitamins after the operation. Food must be complete. Do not consume large amounts of food containing iodine. This may worsen the condition.

It is important to follow the daily routine. You need to sleep at least eight hours a day and take walks on the street every day. Do not constantly be in the sun.

After the operation, it is mandatory to take all the medicines prescribed by the doctor. Constantly he needs to be examined, even if there are no negative symptoms.

Prevention

To prevent the manifestation of such a disease, it is necessary to carry out prevention. Namely:

• Temper and strengthen immunity.
• Go on a diet and eat more high protein foods.
• Use salt with iodine.
• There are plenty of zinc, copper and cobalt. These substances can be obtained from food.
• Perform breathing exercises.
• Do gymnastics every morning.
• Rest periodically at sea.
• To drink a lot of water.

What to give up:

• Big loads on the body.
• Places with high levels of radiation.
• Self-medication.
• Hormonal agents.

Summary

As can be seen from the above, this disease is serious and can deliver a lot of unpleasant moments to a person when it appears. To prevent this from happening, doctors recommend that when the first symptoms appear, immediately contact the clinic and conduct a full examination there.

It is also important to pay enough attention to prevention. If necessary, you can consult with a doctor at the place of residence, who will tell you how to properly carry out all the measures.

Thyroid diseases in adolescents often go unnoticed, and the problem becomes noticeable when the disease moves to a more dangerous stage.

An annual dispensary examination by an endocrinologist helps to detect pathology at the very beginning of development and start treatment on time.

The thyroid gland is a miniature organ located in the neck, whose healthy weight barely reaches 30 g.

Throughout a person's life, it controls the metabolic processes in the body, the activity of tissues and organs.

The quality of the thyroid gland depends on a sufficient amount of iodine, which the body receives from food and water. For its work, iron uses about a third of the total amount of iodine contained in the body.

If the thyroid gland is enlarged in a teenager, this primarily indicates an iodine deficiency.

Features of the thyroid gland in adolescence

Adolescence, accompanied by the process of puberty, begins at about 11–12 years of age.

The thyroid gland in adolescents begins to work with increased activity in order to provide hormones to the growing body. At this time, the thyroid gland may also undergo external changes.

Important: Enlargement of the thyroid gland in adolescents is a fairly common occurrence. This is due to iodine starvation, when the body cannot provide for the increased functional needs of the gland.

Common symptoms of thyroid disease

Enlargement of the thyroid gland in adolescents does not occur from the first day of the disease. This process may be preceded by a long period.

Thyroid gland in adolescents

If the thyroid gland does not cope well with its duties, the symptoms in a teenager are of the following nature:

• early sexual development or its delay;
• growth retardation;
• dry skin;
• swelling;
• hair loss;
• discomfort and pain in the front of the neck;
• heart palpitations;
• frequent constipation or diarrhea;
• decrease in concentration;
• nervous conditions;
• sleep disorders;
• weight fluctuations.

Laboratory studies for thyroid diseases

It happens that the thyroid gland in a teenager is slightly enlarged, and it can be difficult to detect pathology.

Important! Symptoms cannot serve as the only confirmation of the disease.

To make an accurate diagnosis of thyroid disease in adolescents, an extended examination is carried out.

« After the first consultation, the doctor said that if I had delayed for another month, irreparable things could happen ... "

Laboratory methods

• total triiodothyronine (T3);
• free triiodothyronine (T4);
• total thyroxine;
• free thyroxine;
• blood for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH);
• antibodies to thyroglobulin (TG);
• x-ray;
• laryngoscopy.

Instrumental Methods

To diagnose thyroid disease in adolescents, only some types of examinations are required, which are prescribed

after external examination and palpation of the gland.

Why is the thyroid gland enlarged in a teenager if the hormonal background is not disturbed? It turns out that the problem is the lack of iodine.

Thus, a protective reaction of the body to the deficiency of an important trace element is manifested.

Thyroid disease in adolescence

The thyroid gland in adolescence must produce a certain amount of hormones. Their shortage or excess leads to the following diseases (ICD-10 / E00-E07 code):

Low functionality of the thyroid gland, which is accompanied.

The cause may be congenital pathology, iodine deficiency, traumatic damage to the gland, autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms:

• blood pressure disorders
• weight gain,
• weakness,
• dry skin,
• brittle nails,
• hair loss,
• frequent nasal congestion.

This disease () is diagnosed if thyroid hormones in adolescents are produced in excess. The disease has three stages of severity, depending on which symptoms appear.

The following signs indicate that the thyroid gland in adolescents produces an excessive amount of hormones:

• increased irritability, excitability;
• rapid pulse, heart failure;
• loss of appetite;
• fast fatiguability;
• muscle weakness;
• deterioration in the condition of nails, hair, skin.

Prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases

The thyroid gland in adolescence most often lacks iodine, so prevention is aimed at replenishing it.

A specialist can prescribe special dietary supplements and, but the easiest way out is to replace ordinary salt with iodized salt, and: seaweed, fish, shrimp, boiled eggs, baked potatoes, cranberries, prunes.

In order for the thyroid gland in adolescence to be provided with the necessary amount of iodine, its daily dose should be 100 mcg per day.

If it is visually clearly visible that the thyroid gland in a teenager is enlarged, what should be done in this case?

Since the symptoms of insufficiency and excess production of hormones look about the same, it is not recommended to try to resolve the issue with iodine-containing drugs and products before taking and consulting a specialist.

Thyroid treatment in adolescents depends on the severity of the disease and the results of the examination.

It is aimed at restoring the functionality of the gland by taking drugs with iodine, hormone therapy. Teenagers respond very well to treatment.

Diffuse changes in the thyroid gland is the medical term used by diagnosticians when determining. At an early stage, diffuse modifications do not cause problems for the patient, but if there are already violations in the work of the organ, then any overload, stress or infection can provoke the development of the disease.

Imbalance in production testifies to violations in the work of the gland. Their number in the blood can or. This will negatively affect the functioning of the whole organism and lead to many symptoms that indicate a health disorder.

The diagnosis of diffuse changes is made by an endocrinologist. The basis for the study is in the body, the patient's complaints and the results of the examination. During the examination by the method, the doctor can detect. To confirm or refute the diagnosis, the patient is assigned. This is an affordable and safe research method that helps to detect diffuse transformations even in cases where no other signs of the disease have yet been observed.

What it is

Diffuse changes are uniform disturbances in the structure of the tissue over the entire surface of the organ, without a clear localization.

Sometimes diffuse changes may be accompanied by the formation of nodes. To make sure of their presence, as well as to detect seals in the tissues, echo signs and echostructure help the ultrasound specialist. They also make it possible to determine whether neoplasms are malignant or benign.

With a homogeneous structure of the organ, the reflected echo signals are uniform and the same in size. If the homogeneity of the tissue is disturbed, then the echo signals have different intensities and sizes.

Causes

Diffuse transformations can occur for a variety of reasons. First of all, these are hormonal disruptions in the thyroid gland and inflammatory processes in it. The lack of hormones negatively affects the appearance of the gland and the structure of its tissue. At the same time, its size may increase. Inflammation disrupts the immune system. The body produces antibodies that cause damage to its own cells, in particular, thyroid cells. This process manifests itself as inflammation, as a result of which the tissue of the organ is destroyed.

Unfavorable environmental conditions in the region of residence, unbalanced nutrition, iodine deficiency in the body, heredity also cause diffuse modifications. More often this problem occurs in women, as they are more prone to hormonal disruptions.

Signs of diffuse changes

A number of signs speak of transformations in the thyroid gland. First of all, this is an increase in the size of an organ, an increase or decrease in its density, tissue. All these processes are the causes of disturbances in the work of the endocrine system.

As a result of diffuse changes, various diseases develop. There are two types of thyroid disorders. This is either an increased amount of hormones and or a decrease in the number of hormones. In rare cases, inflammation goes away without a change in hormonal levels.

Accompanying symptoms vary depending on the developed disease. Hyperthyroidism can cause nervous irritability, aggression, problems with the cardiovascular system and organs of vision, diarrhea, sudden weight loss with improved appetite.

Hypothyroidism has other symptoms. Patients suffer from weakness and general apathy, constant chills, constipation, weight gain with loss of appetite. They have problems with hair and nails.

All changes indicate that diffuse transformations are taking place in the body. They cause disturbances in the work of all organs and systems, reduce intelligence and performance, provoke the development of a depressive state and neuroses.

Forms

Diffuse manifestations can take several forms. With moderate transformations, the homogeneous structure of the gland is preserved. On its surface there are no neoplasms and nodes.

Diffuse-nodular changes suggest the appearance of neoplasms in the tissue structure. A node is an enlarged thyroid follicle. Each node has its own capsule, which protects it from healthy tissue.

Neoplasms of the AIT type arise as a result, that is, chronic inflammation of the organ tissue, accompanied by cell destruction.

- a pathological process that covers all tissues of the organ and is a diagnostic definition.

Treatment of diffuse changes in the thyroid gland

Problems in the functioning of the thyroid gland can occur in any person, regardless of age and gender, and even in children.

The course of treatment is prescribed individually. It is based on diffuse changes, their nature and variety. If thyroid disorders are minor, then the patient is prescribed iodine preparations and products containing it. Such therapy is carried out intermittently.

If diffuse changes are caused by a lack of hormones, then their synthetic analogues or combined preparations are prescribed. During therapy, it is necessary to constantly monitor the amount of hormones in the blood. If their increased formation is observed, then the doctor prescribes special thyreostatics. These drugs can suppress hormones.

With a strong increase in the thyroid gland or nodes on its surface, surgical intervention is recommended. This method is used when an enlarged gland interferes with the normal functioning of other organs. After surgery, the patient is prescribed hormone therapy to prevent relapse and not provoke the development of complications.

Medical therapy must be supported by constant preventive measures. The diet should be reviewed and included in it. It is necessary to avoid stressful situations, support the immune system, take vitamin complexes. In addition, it is recommended to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Thanks to an integrated approach, it will be possible to achieve good results in treatment and prevent complications.

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Zinaida asks:

Good afternoon! They did an ultrasound of the thyroid gland to the child and this is what we saw: the left lobe is 39x11x12 mm, the right lobe is 34x12x12, the volume is 7.2 cm3, in the structure of both lobes there are anechoic formations with a clear, even contour from 2 to 4 mm, avascular. In conclusion, they wrote: cysts in both lobes of the thyroid gland, signed up for an endocrinologist. but until that day of the doctor’s appointment comes, you can go crazy, tell me how dangerous it is, or rather, these cysts can dissolve or ....

Responsible Berezhnaya Irina Yurievna:

Hello Zinaida According to the ultrasound examination, the child really has cysts, most likely follicular cysts, which is not threatening to health; may not be visualized (disappear) in dynamics. You have no reason to worry. Calmly plan to consult a doctor, tune in to a mandatory examination by ultrasound once every six months.

Elena asks:

Hello, a 7-year-old boy on ultrasound in the right lobe has a formation of 4 mm, the correct form with clear boundaries. Fabric arr. isoechoic. Echostr-ra is heterogeneous due to the alternation of small hydrophilic patches and fibrous foci. The rest is the norm. Submandibular lymph nodes 3-4 mm in number. resp. x-ra (sore throat). TTG-4.36, T4 St..-16.6; T3 St.-5.7; ATPO-7.6. Appointed until the endorm for 1k. 1 time per day for 3 months, then control. Your opinion is very important. Thank you.

Responsible Volobaeva Ludmila Yurievna:

Good afternoon! Endorm is a dietary supplement and its therapeutic effect has not been proven. I recommend not touching the child and after 3 months retake TSH and T4 free, and after 6 months an ultrasound of the thyroid gland.

Nellie asks:

Before school, my daughter had an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, they said that the indicators were increased such as the right lobe width 14 length 38, thickness 14 volume 3.6 left width 14 length 37 thickness 13 volume 3.2 isthmus 3.5 total 6.8. Child height 130 cm weight 29 kg. I’m very worried, I don’t know what to do, is it worth worrying, please tell me. Thank you I will wait for an answer

Responsible Berezhnaya Irina Yurievna:

Hello Nell An increase in the volume of the thyroid gland is not a pathology. According to your data, it is impossible to make a conclusion about the state of the organ, because there is no description of the structure. Just do a re-examination at a specialized center.

Elena asks:

My daughter is 6.5 years old. They were tested before school. Ultrasound of the thyroid gland showed - the right lobe is -33, the volume is 2.7, the left lobe is 33, the volume is 2.9, the total volume is 5.6, the contour is even and clear, the capsule is not compacted, the mobility during swallowing is preserved, the echostructure is heterogeneous, moderately diffusely, blood supply - volume 16., regional lymph nodes - no.
Conclusion - moderate diffuse changes in the thyroid gland, an increase in the volume of the thyroid gland compared with the age norm.
What does this mean? Is it necessary to donate blood for hormones (afraid of injections to the point of fainting)? There are no complaints, the knots feel normal to the touch. Thank you!

Responsible Volobaeva Ludmila Yurievna:

Good afternoon!
Your baby has minor changes in the thyroid gland. In such a situation, it is indeed necessary to check the following:
1) thyroid-stimulating hormone.
2) free thyroxine.
3) antibodies to thyroperoxidase. If these indicators are normal, then everything is fine.

Natasha asks:

We found a node in the left lobe up to 8 mm with liquid content, nodes in the right lobe up to 5 mm - is this serious?

Responsible Berezhnaya Irina Yurievna:

Hello Natasha Yes, it can be serious. A description of the found formations would make it possible to be more specific. The size of education does not play a role in the projections. Please do an examination at a specialized center.

Olga asks:

Hello, my daughter is 7 years old, they did an ultrasound and here is the result: the thyroid gland: the contours are clear, even, symmetrical, mobile. Dimensions: right lobe 42*11*13mm, volume 2.9 cm3 left lobe 42*10*13mm, volume 2.6 cm3 PPT 0.9 m2 (weight 23kg, height 122cm) - norm up to 4.2 cm3 Total volume 5 .5 cm3 - 131% - 1st Isthmus 3.2mm - normal up to 3mm echostructure of areas: heterogeneous due to the alternation of hypo- and isogenic areas echogenicity: general-medium elasticity: preserved Nodules: no Conclusions: diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland of 1 degree, violation of the structure thyroid gland. Please help me figure it out, is this really scary?

Responsible Berezhnaya Irina Yurievna:

Hello Olga In your case, additional examination of thyroid function is necessary. After consulting a doctor and receiving the results of the necessary hormonal examinations, it will be possible to answer your questions specifically. It is very important not to waste time, many issues of impaired function are being resolved.

Valentina asks:

Hello! My son is 7 years old. 2 nodes (0.5 and 0.2 cm) were found in the left lobe of the thyroid gland. The volume of the left lobe is 1.3 right.-1.6. iodomarin 6 months. And the doctor from diagn. The center said Iodomarin should not give any cases. Tell me, please, how to be?

Responsible Berezhnaya Irina Yurievna:

Hello Valentina There is no connection between the location of the nodes and the opening of the iodomarin. The appointment in this case is due, probably, with a preventive purpose. Nodes are examined primarily by ultrasound and in dynamics. Treatment without diagnosis is unacceptable.

Ruslan asks:

Please tell us what to do. A 15-year-old daughter was diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism. Analyzes 12.06.2014:
TSH 5.7 μIU / ml, T4 - 18 pmol / l, AT to TPO 61.8 U / ml. A month before the test, Zobofit was taken 1k 2 r per day. Analyzes previous 04/09/2014: TSH - 4.8 μIU / ml, T4 - 17.7 pmol / l, AT to TPO 5.2 U / ml. The doctor 2 months ago recommended taking thyroxine. We are very afraid that we will have to take it all the time. Why increased AT to TPO? Whether the goiter could influence. What does the increase in AT to TPO mean? Could this be a mistake? Previously it was normal. Only TSH was within 4.05, 4.8 - 6.22. How to treat?

Responsible Volobaeva Ludmila Yurievna:

Good afternoon! Taking thyroxine won't harm your daughter or her thyroid. Iron will not forget how to "work". Elevated TSH is a growth stimulator of the thyroid gland, so it is important to bring it back to normal. For this, there is only one effective treatment - thyroxine. It must be taken once a day on an empty stomach and after 2 months repeat TSH.

Natalia asks:

Hello! Help! They made an ultrasound of shields. glands. The boy is 8.8 years old. Weight 39 kg, height 146 cm. The right lobe is 43 mm long, 8 mm wide, 15 mm thick. Volume 3.3 cm cube. The left share is 43 mm long, 11 mm wide, 17 mm thick. Volume - 4.5 cm cube. Surface area of ​​the body 1.2 sq.m. The total volume is 7.8 ml, the echostructure of the parenchyma is medium-grained, heterogeneous with foci of reduced echogenicity. In conclusion, hyperplasia, diffuse changes in the thyroid gland. I read on the Internet that this is the norm or not? Help me please.

Responsible Berezhnaya Irina Yurievna:

Hello Natalia Changes in the structure of the thyroid gland give grounds for further examination. The described changes correspond to autoimmune thyroiditis. You need to consult an endocrinologist.

Elena asks:

Hello! The result of the child's TSH is 4.6 μIU / ml., Tell me, is this the norm or its excess? Could the drug iodomarin affect the level of TSH.

Responsible Renchkovskaya Natalya Vasilievna:

Hello, Elena.
Each laboratory indicates in brackets the norm for a certain age. You also need to see the child directly and know if there are any complaints, do an ultrasound of the thyroid gland.
Iodomarin promotes the formation of active thyroid hormones and thus TSH may decrease. Address directly to the doctor to the endocrinologist the pediatrician.
With uv. Natalya Vasilievna.

Svetlana asks:

Hello, my son is 6 years old, I passed the analysis for T4 free. - result 11.1, analysis for TSH - result - 2.09. Handed over the analysis against the background of reception of an iodomarin (as the doctor has told or said). We will not get an appointment soon, is it possible to find out if the tests are normal or not? Thank you.

Julia asks:

Hello, please tell me what the child has, we were diagnosed with bronchial asthma at the age of 1.5, we used the hormonal drug flexocid for a year, then we survived without it for a year, now we use it again, we were on an examination for asthma, we passed a bunch of tests, they showed that there was no allergy , but the thyroid glands, they wrote an endemic goiter in question, after 3 months we passed a blood test for hormones, the endocrinologist said that they are normal, and ultrasound right lobe 11 width 10 length 32 volume 1.9; left 11 width 11 length 29 volume 1.7 total volume 3.6, the contours are clear, even; echogenicity is normal; the structure is small, clean; there are focal formations; sizes 2.6x2.4x3.9; localization of the s / otd on the right; the shape is correct; the contours are clear; the structure is homogeneous; there are no regional lymph nodes; the conclusion of the echo signs of nodular formation of the shield.

Responsible Berezhnaya Irina Yurievna:

Hello Julia Regarding the degree of increase and the need to take prophylactic drugs, you need to consult a pediatrician who is familiar with the endemic situation in your area. The task of the visualist is to describe the presence of the node and its characteristics (what has been done) and to control possible changes in dynamics (periodicity is about six months). Flexocide cannot provoke the formation of focal formations. Some drugs (amiodarone, lithium preparations, interferon) can cause the appearance of antibodies to peroxidase, but the presence, the appearance of nodes with the use of drugs cannot be associated.

Elena asks:

Tell me, please, is it necessary to do a puncture biopsy of the thyroid nodule in a child of 6 years old or can it be dispensed with? The size of the thyroid gland and hormones are normal, the formation is not palpable, clinically eutheriosis. The nodule in the middle segment is 1.5x0.6x0.5 cm, isoechoic, mixed structure, blood flow is not increased. The size of the node has not changed in 3 months. Diagnosis: focal changes in the thyroid gland. If done, how informative is the biopsy?

Responsible Berezhnaya Irina Yurievna:

Hello Elena Puncture biopsy is the only highly informative method for making a cytological diagnosis of the node, therefore it is necessary. The absence of a change in its size, unfortunately, this manipulation is not canceled. The informativeness of the puncture depends on the doctor, its conductor and the cytologist, therefore it is advisable to do it in specialized centers, where the effectiveness of this analysis is about 98%. Sunbathing, of course, is possible, it is necessary to avoid the active sun (panama hat with wide brim).

Olga asks:

Good afternoon! Please help with advice! In December 2013, my daughter underwent an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, at that time she was 6 years 2 months old.
Ultrasound results:
Right lobe - 33.9 x 11.5 x 12.9 (volume 2.40)
Left share - 33.6 x 11.3 x 12.4 (volume 2.25)
Isthmus - 3.0
Volume - 4.65
The contours are even and clear. The echostructure is heterogeneous due to areas of unevenly reduced echogenicity.
On the right, along the posterior fold, in the middle third, an anechoic round formation 2.5 mm in diameter with hyperechoic inclusions, without reliable blood flow, is located. Nodes are not located. Vascularization is normal. Peripheral lymph nodes are not enlarged.
Conclusion: Diffuse-heterogeneous changes in the structure of the thyroid gland. An increase in the size of the thyroid gland. Small cyst of the right lobe of the thyroid gland.
With results of US we have addressed to the endocrinologist. The doctor prescribed iodomarin at a dosage of 125 once a day and gave a referral for TSH (6.4) and T4fr (13.4).
The problem is that from the time we started taking Iodomarin, my daughter began to recover very much, her appetite increased. Is this normal when taking such a dose of iodomarin?
I decided to do an ultrasound and turn to an endocrinologist myself, because. she has a problem with the thyroid gland - oncology of the thyroid gland, she was operated on in 2003.
Thanks in advance!

Responsible Berezhnaya Irina Yurievna:

According to the results of your examination, the child has autoimmune thyroiditis. The norm in children and adolescents of the TSH indicator from 5 to 14 years is 0.4-5.0 mU / l. An increase in the content of TSH reflects the sensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to a persistent decrease in the level of thyrohormones circulating in the blood. In case of malfunction of the gland, TSH rises above normal values, even if the level of T4 St. within the normal range. The presence or absence of symptoms depends on the attention of the doctor conducting the questioning. One of the most famous studies on subclinical hypothyroidism in childhood and adolescence is the work of D.C. Moore. In short, he considered AIT in childhood as a minimal damaging effect (mild insult) on the thyroid gland, and a moderate increase in TSH without the presence of a large goiter and clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism as a result of homeostasis restructuring. Thus, a new level of stable compensation of thyroid status (reset thyrostat) is achieved at the cost of a chronic increase in serum TSH. The author also agrees with the opinion of other researchers who believe that with long-term observation, the risk of developing clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism remains in 1/3 of children and adolescents with subclinical hypothyroidism. Therefore, regular monitoring of such patients is necessary. The question of prescribing treatment with thyroxin should be decided by the doctor individually. Your consulting physician has obviously been guided by these data and further specialized therapy is not ruled out. There is no need to take iodine-containing drugs.

Good afternoon! According to the test results, the child has severe hypothyroidism. If the boy did not take thyroxine, then it is necessary to start taking it as soon as possible. If taken, then it is necessary to increase the dose of the drug, it is possible to replace it with another brand. The issue of replacement and dose is decided exclusively internally. But that a thyroxine is necessary is unambiguously.