The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland located in the front and lower part of the neck, in males it is located below the Adam's apple. The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly weighing ± 15 - 20 grams. The thyroid gland produces the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which function to regulate body cell metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, mood, digestive function, and others.
Enlargement of the thyroid gland or goiter among the laity is often referred to as a goiter, more commonly found in women than men (4:1), this is caused by exposure to the hormones estrogen and progesterone in women and the hormone B-Hcg during pregnancy.
Enlargement of the thyroid gland can be accompanied by changes in thyroid hormone levels, either higher (hyperthyroid), lower (hypothyroid) or often even with normal levels. There are several causes for an enlarged thyroid gland, such as autoimmune disease, infection, lack of iodized diet, physiology during puberty/pregnancy/breastfeeding, tumors etc.
If there is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, sometimes it causes symptoms including:
- Swelling in the lower front of the neck that moves with swallowing, often without pain.
- There are swallowing disorders, hoarseness or shortness of breath
- Often not accompanied by complaints until the size is large enough
When accompanied by high hormone levels (hyperthyroidism) it will cause symptoms such as:
- Heart palpitations, shaking or tremors
- Excessive sweating at normal temperatures
- Body weight decreased drastically
- Increased appetite, nausea, vomiting, frequent bowel movements
- Can't stand the heat
- bulging eyes ( exophthalmos )
When low hormone levels (hypothyroid) symptoms will occur such as:
- Weight gain
- Body feels weak, movement sluggish
- Feeling cold
- Menstrual disorders
- Dry skin
How to diagnose disease or enlargement of the thyroid gland?
The doctor will do an anamnesis and clinical examination, carry out a series of laboratory tests for thyroid hormone levels, antibodies and also an ultrasound examination of the thyroid and if necessary a CT scan or MRI and a fingerprint or radionuclear examination.
The following are treatments for thyroid disease:
- No need for treatment only in periodic observation
- With drugs such as thyroxine drugs for those who are hypothyroid or drugs for hyperthyroidism, or anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Biopsy either with a fine needle or a biopsy with surgery
- Surgery or what is called a thyroidectomy either total or part of the thyroid gland.
- Treatment with radioactivity (Nuclear Medicine)
- Administration of targeted therapeutic drugs
Thyroid disease and enlargement of the thyroid gland are often found in women, with prompt examination and appropriate treatment according to the diagnosis which will give good results and low complications.
Article written by dr. I Made Chandra Ari Kumara, Sp.B(K)Onk (Surgery Specialist Consultant Oncologist – EMC Sentul Hospital).