Skjaldkirtlisvöxtum

Skjaldkirtlisvöxtum refers to growths or nodules that develop within the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism. These growths are very common and are often discovered incidentally during medical imaging for other conditions.

The majority of skjaldkirtlisvöxtum are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. They can be solid or filled with fluid (cysts). While most nodules do not cause symptoms, some may enlarge and lead to a visible swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness if they press on surrounding structures like the esophagus or recurrent laryngeal nerve. Some nodules can also produce excess thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism, which can cause symptoms like rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and anxiety.

The exact cause of skjaldkirtlisvöxtum is not always clear. Factors such as iodine deficiency, autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and a history of radiation exposure to the neck area can increase the risk.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, thyroid function tests to assess hormone levels, and an ultrasound of the thyroid gland. Ultrasound is crucial for characterizing the nodules, determining their size, number, and appearance. If a nodule appears suspicious on ultrasound, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample for microscopic examination to determine if it is benign or malignant.

Treatment for skjaldkirtlisvöxtum depends on whether they are benign or cancerous, their size, and whether they are causing symptoms or hormonal imbalances. Benign nodules that are small and asymptomatic often require no treatment, only regular monitoring. If a nodule is causing hyperthyroidism, treatment may involve radioactive iodine therapy, medication, or surgery. Malignant nodules, or cancerous growths, are typically treated with surgery to remove the affected part or the entire thyroid gland, often followed by radioactive iodine therapy or thyroid hormone replacement.