Chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease)
Alternative names:
autoimmune thyroiditis; chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis; Hashimoto's thyroiditis; lymphadenoid goiter; struma lymphomatosa
Treatment:
If the thyroid gland is only slightly enlarged and there is no evidence of thyroid hormone deficiency, treatment may be limited to regular observation by a health care provider. A deficiency of thyroid hormone may develop at a later time. Replacement therapy with thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) is given if the hormone is deficient or if a large goiter is present.
Expectations (prognosis):
The outcome is usually very good because the disease remains stable for years, or progresses slowly to a condition of thyroid hormone deficiency (hypothyroidism) that can be treated with thyroid replacement therapy.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of chronic thyroiditis develop.
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