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What Do Enlarged Thyroid Nodules Indicate?

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Posted on Mon, 13 Mar 2017
Question: I have a "slightly enlarged" thyroid, they did a blood test for Thyroid stimulating hormone and it was within normal limits. I also had a range of other tests like a CBC that all came back normal

No masses or nodules detected with the ultrasound

Is this something that just happens? I was on prednisone for a week about 2 weeks before this was discovered.

Will it go back to normal on its own? Can it be benging? What sort of symptoms can I expect to have with an enlarged thyroid with a normal TSH
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
About thyroid enlargment;

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking on HealthcareMagic!
I have gone carefully through your concern.
The most common cause of the slightly enlarged thyroid is iodine deficiency.
There are very rare cases of malignancy ( limphoma) that causes diffuse and fast enlargment of the gland without nodules.
In these cases the thyroid structure is not homogeneous.
So, if there is a slight enlargment, homogeneous in ultrasound, there is nothing to worry about.
Your treating physician may prescribe iodine supplement.
Hope the information will help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (2 days later)
How long does it take to replenish iodine levels? What are the signs of a iodine deficiency besides the enlarged thyroid?


Thank you so much!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Iodine deficiency side effects:

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back!
You should take long term iodine supplements if your diet is not reach in seafood or the salt you use is not iodized.
The side effects of a chronic iodine deficiency are: enlargement of the thyroid gland in order to compensate the function at the early phases and hypothyroidism later.
As long as the thyroid gland compensates the function, no other symptoms or signs (except of goiter) are expected.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. Mirjeta Guni

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2414 Questions

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What Do Enlarged Thyroid Nodules Indicate?

Brief Answer: About thyroid enlargment; Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for asking on HealthcareMagic! I have gone carefully through your concern. The most common cause of the slightly enlarged thyroid is iodine deficiency. There are very rare cases of malignancy ( limphoma) that causes diffuse and fast enlargment of the gland without nodules. In these cases the thyroid structure is not homogeneous. So, if there is a slight enlargment, homogeneous in ultrasound, there is nothing to worry about. Your treating physician may prescribe iodine supplement. Hope the information will help. Kind regards, Dr.Mirjeta