Colloid nodular goiter

Alternative names:

endemic goiter

Treatment:

Small doses of iodine (Lugol's or potassium iodine solution) will treat iodine deficiency.

Hormone replacement inhibits the thyroid stimulation hormone and allows for recovery of the thyroid gland.

A large goiter that is unresponsive to medical management or restricts swallowing and breathing may require partial removal of the gland.

Expectations (prognosis):

Good with treatment. Colloid nodular goiters may disappear spontaneously, or may become large. In people over 50, a long-standing goiter may become toxic (symptoms of thyroid deficiency develop).

Complications:

• Progressive thyroid enlargement and/or the development of hardened nodules may indicate thyroid malignancy.
• A simple goiter may progress to a toxic nodular goiter.
• Thyrotoxicosis as a side effect of treatment.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if signs of thyrotoxicosis develop: increased pulse rate, palpations, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sweating, tremors, agitation, or shortness of breath.