GOITRE ( struma )
Do you have it ???................
What is Goitre or Struma ???
A goitre or struma, is a swelling of the thyroid gland, which can lead to a swelling of the neck or larynx (voice box). Goitre is a term that refers to an enlargement of the thyroid and can be associated with thyroid gland that is functioning properly or not.
Why is GOITRE caused ????.....
Over 90.54% cases of goitre are caused by iodine deficiency. Goitre associated with hypotyrodism or hyperthyrodism may be present with symptoms of the underlying disorder. For hyperthyroidism, the most common symptoms are weight loss despite increased appetite, and heat intolerance. However, these symptoms are often unspecific and hard to diagnose.
GOITRE ( STRUMA )
GOITRE ( STRUMA )
Mostly found in.....
Worldwide, the most common cause for Goitre is iodine deficiency, usually seen in countries that do not use iodized salt.
- survey taken in 2004 ( people having struma per 1,00,000 )
- Goitre is more common among women, but this includes the many types of goitre caused by autoimmune problems, and not only those caused by simple lack of iodine.
The three classes of Struma
- Class I (palpation struma): in normal posture of the head, it cannot be seen; it is only found by palpation (To examine or explore by touching an organ or area of the body)
- Class II: the struma is palpative and can be easily seen.
- Class III: the struma is very large and is retrosternal (a pain behind the sternum that usually occurs on swallowing)
Treatment
Goitre is treated according to the cause.
- If the thyroid gland is producing too much thyroxine (tyroid hormone), radioactive iodine is given to the patient to shrink the gland.
- If goitre is caused by iodine deficiency, small doses of iodide in the form of KI solutions ( potassium iodine ) are given.
- If the goitre is associated with an underactive thyroid ( hypothyroidism ) thyroid supplements are used as treatment.
- In extreme cases, a partial or complete thyroid - ectomy ( is an operation that involves the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland ) is required.