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Alternative names Return to top
Endemic goiterDefinition Return to top
Colloid nodular goiter is thyroid gland enlargement that is usually caused by too little iodine in the diet.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
When the thyroid gland is unable to make enough thyroid hormone, it may attempt to compensate by enlarging. Enlargement of an otherwise normal thyroid gland is called colloid nodular goiter.
A colloid nodular goiter occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to meet the metabolic demands of the body with sufficient hormone production. The thyroid gland compensates by enlarging, which usually overcomes mild deficiencies of thyroid hormone.
If the thyroid gland is then re-exposed to iodine, the nodules may produce thyroid hormone independently. Occasionally, the nodules may produce too much thyroid hormone, causing thyrotoxicosis. This is called a toxic nodular goiter.
Colloid nodular goiters are also known as endemic goiters and are usually caused by inadequate iodine in diet. They tend to occur in certain geographical areas with iodine-depleted soil, usually areas away from the sea coast. An area is defined as endemic for goiter if more than 10 % of children aged 6 to 12 years have goiters.
In the U.S., the Great Lakes, Midwest, and Intermountain regions were once known as the "goiter belt." The use of iodized table salt now usually prevents this deficiency. As a result, the incidence of colloid nodular goiters is now rare in the U.S.
Risk factors are being female, being older than 40, having an inadequate dietary intake of iodine, living in an endemic area, and having a family history of goiters.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Small doses of iodine (Lugol's or potassium iodine solution) will treat iodine deficiency. Hormone replacement inhibits thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and allows the thyroid to recover.
A large goiter that is unresponsive to medical management or restricts swallowing and breathing may require partial removal of the thyroid gland.
If the goiter is producing too much thyroid hormone, treatment with radioactive iodine, antithyroid medication, or surgery may be necessary.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The prognosis is good with treatment. Colloid nodular goiters may disappear spontaneously in some cases, but in others, they may become large. In people over 50, a long-standing goiter may become toxic, causing symptoms of excess thyroid hormones to develop.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if signs of thyrotoxicosis develop:
Prevention Return to top
Use iodized salt, or foods supplemented with iodine.
Update Date: 1/7/2003 Updated by: Todd T. Brown, M.D., Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |