What are benign pathologies of the thyroid? (6)
- cysts
- adenomas
- goiters
- hyperthyroidism
- hypothyroidism
- thyroiditis
T/F: simple cysts of the thyroid are rare?
T
Describe most thyroid cysts
complex with irregularly shaped walls and internal echoes caused by hemorrhage
Hemorrhagic cysts result from
trauma or from degeneration of an adenoma
What may be seen in hemorrhagic cysts?
debris or fluid
Describe thyroglossal duct cysts
- constitute 70% of all congenital neck anomalies
- positioned midline anterior to the trachea
What is the thyroglossal duct?
embryologic remnant of the thyroid diverticulum
What is the most common thyroid mass?
adenoma
What percent of all palpable thyroid nodules are adenomas?
85%
Son findings of adenoma
- variable in size
- usually numerous (unlike carcinomas)
- any echogenicity
- may have hyperechoic halo around it due to the fibrous tissue encapsulating it
- may be loculated, single or multiple if seen with cystic degeneration (some are complex, some simple)
What is a goiter?
enlargement of thyroid gland, AKA multinodular goiter
-develop over a long period of time and are usually asymptomatic tho hypothyroidism may develop at later stages
T/F: Cystic degeneration of goiters is uncommon
False…may be referred to as multinodular cystic goiter
Classifications of goiters:
- nontoxic (simple)
- toxic (diffuse)
Describe nontoxic (simple) goiters:
- associated with hypothyroidism
- smooth and homogenous but diffusely enlarged
Describe toxic (diffuse) goiters:
- diffuse enlargement of the gland
- decrease in echogenicity
- increased vascularity referred to as a thyroid inferno
- associated with grave’s disease
What is Grave’s disease?
a complex autoimmune disease
Describe hyperthyroidism?
- occurs when overactivity in the thyroid gland causes a metabolic imbalance
- gland produces too much T3 and T4 causing the body’s chemical reactions to speed up
What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?
Grave’s disease (an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid causing it to enlarge diffusely as a result of a toxic goiter
Hyperthyroidism affects who?
women more than men, typically 30-40 years of age
Clinical symptoms of hyperthyroidism: (12)
- fatigue
- weightloss
- trembling hands
- increase in appetitie
- intolerant to heat
- increase in sweating
- increase in bowel movements
- protruding eyeballs(exophthalmia)
- rash on front of legs
- staring gaze
- fast HR
- light menstrual period
Describe hypothyroidism?
- occurs when the gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone
- causes chemical reactions in the body to slow down
- associated with nontoxic goiter (causes visible swelling of one or both lobes)
WHat may cause hypothyroidism?
an iron deficiency
Clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism? (13)
- fatigue
- weight gain
- difficulty losing weight
- constipation
- dry and brittle hair
- hair loss
- flaky skin
- heavy menstrual periods
- intolerance to cold
- decreased sexual interest
- hoarse scratchy throat
- facial edema
- slow HR
What is thyroiditis?
-inflammation of thyroid
