The thyroid gland is a small organ located on the neck, which refers to the glands of internal secretion. Among the various problems associated with the endocrine system, diseases, especially tumors, of this organ are found most often. A tumor of the thyroid gland can be both benign (adenoma) and malignant.
Causes of thyroid adenoma
Thyroid adenoma is a benign tumor that develops from the thyroid tissue and is a seal (node) encapsulated in a connective tissue. Adenoma can be either single or multiple (multinodular goiter). The disease is usually manifested in people over 40 years of age, and women are about four times more likely than men.
The only cause of this disease is not revealed, but to the factors that can provoke it, include an unfavorable ecological situation, iodine deficiency in the body, impaired hormone production by the pituitary gland.
Types of thyroid adenoma
Thyroid adenomas are divided into:
- follicular;
- papillary;
- clear cell;
- functioning (Plamer's disease);
- from Gurtle cells;
- other ungupulated species.
Let us consider each of these types:
- Follicular adenoma of the thyroid gland. It consists of round or oval moving nodes that are in a colloidal capsule. An exception is the microfollicular adenoma, which does not contain a colloid. In its structure, follicular adenoma is very similar to a malignant tumor, therefore, when it is detected, it is often necessary to perform a puncture of the thyroid gland to establish an accurate diagnosis. Approximately 15% of cases in the absence of treatment follicular adenoma can develop into a malignant tumor.
- Papillary adenoma of the thyroid gland. Has a pronounced cystic structure. Inside the cysts, papilliform growths surrounded by brown fluid are observed.
- Oxifil adenoma (from Gurtle cells). It consists of large cells with a large nucleus, does not contain a colloid. The most aggressive and rapidly progressing form, which in about 30% of cases turns into malignant.
- Toxic (functioning) adenoma of the thyroid gland. Disease, in which the thyroid gland seals spontaneously produce a large number of hormones. As a result, there is an overabundance in the blood and, as a consequence, blocking the production of certain pituitary hormones responsible for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Toxic adenoma can occur both in itself and develop on a previously non-toxic node in the thyroid gland.
Symptoms of thyroid adenoma
If a small tumor, then it can not manifest itself and show up accidentally during medical examination. Adenomas of large size are noticeable visually: they deform the neck, can cause breathing disorders, blood circulation, pain.
Also, if there is an adenoma of the thyroid (especially toxic), there may be:
- increased sweating, even in a calm state;
- weight loss, in the absence of changes in diet and exercise regime;
- poor heat tolerance;
- cardiopalmus;
- irritability;
- increased fatigue .
Treatment of thyroid adenoma
Treatment of adenoma is carried out by two methods: medicamentous and surgical.
At the initial stage, with only small nodes, or if the disease is caused by a violation of the hormonal background, drug therapy is used.
With the proliferation of nodes, the threat of a malignant tumor and in those cases when hormone therapy does not yield results, an operation is performed to remove the node, and with extensive damage - the entire thyroid gland. In the latter case, the patient will have to take hormonal preparations all his life, but the prognosis remains favorable.
Treatment of toxic thyroid adenoma is usually surgical, in which the affected part of the organ is removed.
Since the adenoma of the thyroid gland belongs to benign tumors, if the measures are taken in a timely manner, the predictions are favorable, although they may require some change in the way of life. For example, with complete removal of the thyroid gland, the patient will need to regularly take hormonal medications.