Introduction
Various hormones in our body regulate cellular functions. These hormones are made by the glands in our body. Two types of glands endocrine and exocrine manufacture various hormones that control the physiological functions of the body. Hormones are non-nutrient chemicals produced in traces. They are intercellular messengers that act on the target tissue and the body similarly responds to these messengers as the nerve impulses. Only, the response from a hormone is much slower. Any deficiency or exceeding levels of the hormone in the body causes illnesses. One of these is Multinodular Goiter.
What is a Multinodular Goiter?
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Multinodular Goiter is a condition that arises from the malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. In this condition, multiple lumps, also known as nodules form over the gland. The nodules may be visible or may only be seen in an examination or scan. It may be asymptomatic, meaning, no signs can be seen and may remain in that state. Or it may be non- functional, or it may even be visible or cause serious implications like thyroid cancer. This condition of formation of nodules is a common thyroid disorder.
Thyroid disorders arise from the malfunctioning of the thyroid gland which is one of the many endocrine glands in the body. This gland is located around the sides of the trachea and is a small butterfly-shaped gland. Major hormones that the thyroid gland synthesizes are Tetraiodothyronine or thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and a protein hormone, thyrocalcitonin (TCT).
T3 and T4 together regulate the metabolic activity of the body. They mostly control the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They regulate the formation of RBC and also maintain the water and electrolyte balance in the body. TCT, on the other hand, regulates the blood calcium levels.
Causes of Multinodular Goiter
When a part or whole of the thyroid gland increases in size it leads to a condition called a goitre. And when multiple lumps or nodules form on the thyroid gland it is known as multinodular goitre. Nodules occur when the different parts of the thyroid gland grow at a different rate. Common causes of multinodular goitre are as follows-
Deficiency of Iodine
Biosynthetic defects
Elevated levels of TSH
Effect of smoking, stress, certain drugs
Heredity
Autoimmune diseases like- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Grave’s disease
Genetic defects leading to thyroid dysfunction
Sex- more common in women
Age- Older people are at higher risk of getting goitre
Nodular disease
Iodine is an essential element which regulates the synthesis of thyroid hormone at a regular rate. Certain genetic defects and deficiency of iodine impact the synthesis of thyroid hormone. When the hormone produced in lower quantities than the required rate, TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone synthesized by the pituitary gland rises. This, in turn, stimulates the growth of thyroid gland so that it can compensate for the reduced levels of hormone synthesized.
Stages in Multinodular Goiter Formation
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Stimulation
Diffusion of Hyperplastic Goiter. Goitre formation is reversible at the stage of the stimulation ceases.
Fluctuating stimulations give rise to mixed patterns and areas of active and inactive lobules occur.
Active lobules turn vascular and hyperplastic until haemorrhage occurs which causes central necrosis.
Necrotic lobules coalesce to form nodules filled with either iodine-free colloid or a mass of new inactive follicles.
Continuous repetition of the process leads to the formation of nodular goitre.
Many times, overactive thyroid also causes enlargement of the thyroid resulting in multinodular goitre.
This is also characterized by disordered growth of thyroid cells often clubbed with the gradual development of fibrosis.
Causes are unknown in many cases.
Symptoms of Multinodular Goiter
Multinodular goitre may not show any symptoms. However, a person may feel the node present on the thyroid gland on the neck region. Physical exam, blood test or biopsy can be done to diagnose more accurately. Some of the symptoms of multinodular goitre are as follows-
Hoarseness
Difficulty in swallowing
Difficulty in breathing
Difficulty in tolerating heat
Irritability, nervousness
Faster heart rate and difficulty in sleeping
Weight loss
FAQs on Multinodular Goiter
1. What is a Multinodular Goitre?
Multinodular Goiter is a condition that arises from the malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. In this condition, multiple lumps, also known as nodules form over the gland. The nodules may be visible or may only be seen in an examination or scan. It may be asymptomatic, meaning, no signs can be seen and may remain in that state. Or it may be non- functional, or it may even be visible or cause serious implications like thyroid cancer.
2. What are the Types of Multinodular Goitre?
Multinodular Goiter is of Two Types-
Non-Toxic Multinodular Goiter: In this condition, not too much thyroid hormone is produced and the conditions are not associated with abnormal thyroid function.
Toxic Goiter: Due to excessive overproduction of thyroid hormone, the individual suffers from a condition known as hyperthyroidism.
3. How to Treat Multinodular Goiter?
Treatment of Multinodular Goiter Includes the Following Measure-
Radioiodine therapy which helps in reducing the size of the thyroid gland, thereby controlling hormone production rate.
Thyroid hormone medication.
Thyroidectomy which is the surgical procedure involving the removal of the thyroid gland.
Not all multinodular goitre needs any of the treatments mentioned above. And the treatment is subjected to the degree of impairment of the thyroid function. In the case of non-toxic multinodular goitre, the treatment depends on the size, symptoms and growth pattern of the nodules.
