Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Do Enlarged Thyroid Nodules Indicate?
Posted on
Fri, 17 Feb 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 17 Feb 2017
Answered on
Mon, 13 Mar 2017
Last reviewed on
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
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
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
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
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!
Thank you so much!
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
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
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
