Definition

Thyroid adenoma is a non-malignant tumor on the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a little, butterfly-shaped gland situated at the base of the neck, above the sternum. This gland secretes hormones that control various physiological processes in the body, including metabolism and heart rate. Thyroid disease is prevalent.

Approximately 7% of individuals exhibit abnormal growths in their thyroid gland. Thyroid adenoma is estimated to occur in 3–4% of individuals.

The majority of thyroid adenomas are benign and asymptomatic. It's possible for a thyroid adenoma to go unnoticed until a doctor discovers it during a routine medical examination. Physicians may also detect it incidentally during radiological screenings for other medical purposes. Some thyroid adenomas might grow to a noticeable size or can lead to swallowing or breathing difficulties.

Causes

The precise etiology of thyroid adenoma remains unidentified. Nevertheless, the majority of cases are sporadic or non-inherited.

Risk factor

Less than 5% of the population is at risk of developing thyroid adenoma. Nonetheless, the following factors may elevate your susceptibility to thyroid adenoma:

• Gender. Women are more susceptible to thyroid adenomas than men. Indeed, women have a greater susceptibility to developing all thyroid diseases. If a man gets a thyroid lump, it is more likely to be cancerous compared to when a woman has a mass
• Age. Thyroid adenomas are more prevalent in the elderly
• Genetic. Certain genes increase the risk of thyroid adenoma. If you have a close family member who has had a thyroid adenoma, your risk may be higher
• Iodine deficiency is strongly associated with the formation of thyroid adenoma
• Radiation exposure
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Alcohol consumption

If you want to know more about obesity, you can read it here: Obesity: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Symptoms

Thyroid adenomas can be either dormant, not producing thyroid hormone, or active, producing thyroid hormone. Active thyroid adenoma can lead to hyperthyroidism in approximately 1% of individuals, resulting in an overproduction of thyroid hormone. Nevertheless, the majority of individuals with thyroid adenomas are asymptomatic.

Occasionally, the mass attains a size that renders it visible and palpable; frequently, it manifests as edema at the proximal region of the neck. Thyroid adenomas, in contrast to cysts, goiters, or malignancies, typically manifest as a solitary mass.

Active adenomas, also called toxic thyroid adenomas, can occasionally induce the thyroid to generate excessive hormone. The following symptoms may result from an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Excessive sweating or sensitivity to heat
• Tremors
• Irritable, restless, and mood changes
• An irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Patterns of defecation modification
• Instability of the menstrual cycle in women of reproductive age

Individuals diagnosed with thyroid adenomas may also encounter a rasping sound, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and voice alterations, in addition to hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid adenoma is sufficiently large to exert pressure on the airways (larynx and trachea) and other structures in the pharynx (esophagus), these symptoms manifest.

Diagnosis

Due to the absence of symptoms in most individuals, thyroid adenoma is frequently detected only during radiology procedures performed for other medical purposes.

The doctor should ascertain whether an atypical thyroid growth impacts hormone levels and, if so, determine whether or not it is malignant.

A negligible proportion of thyroid nodules progress to malignancy. It is impossible to determine whether a mass is benign or malignant solely based on its symptoms. When a doctor detects a malignant thyroid nodule, it may already be small. Rarely does aggressive thyroid cancer manifest as a large, solid, immobile mass that proliferates rapidly.

Doctors must eliminate other thyroid disorders with comparable signs and symptoms to diagnose thyroid adenoma. The doctor will suggest the following:

• Ultrasound examination (USG)
• Blood tests to measure TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels
• Biopsy

This test can also assess the risk of a lump is cancerous, as both benign and malignant thyroid tumors can impact hormone levels in different ways.

Read more: TSH Screening: Indications, Contraindications, Results And Advice

Management

Your doctor might not recommend therapy if you have a thyroid adenoma and are asymptomatic. The doctor will regularly examine the size of your adenoma and thyroid levels every 6 to 12 months to detect potential issues at an early stage.

Individuals with abnormal TSH levels caused by thyroid adenoma need treatment to return their thyroid function to normal, known as euthyroidism. Iodine-123 therapy is commonly utilized to eliminate aberrant growths on the thyroid and restore proper thyroid function. Iodine-123 is an orally administered radioactive isotope. Despite being radioactive, iodine-123 is not toxic to thyroid cells, and no specific actions are required after its intake.

Prevention

Prevention is not possible for thyroid adenoma due to the lack of precise knowledge regarding its etiology among experts. However, you can attempt to reduce your risk of developing thyroid adenoma by regulating certain risk factors.

For instance, individuals who are obese should seek medical advice on weight loss. You should make an effort to cease smoking. Furthermore, it is critical to ensure that you consume adequate iodine in your diet. Using iodinated table salt will likely provide sufficient iodine for every single day.

When to see a doctor?

A doctor should be consulted regarding atypical cervical enlargement, particularly if accompanied by respiratory or swallowing difficulties, although most thyroid nodules are benign and do not give rise to complications. It is critical to assess the potential for the development of malignancy.

If you experience the following indications and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, you should seek medical attention:

• Sudden weight loss Despite having a normal or heightened appetite,
• Palpitation
• Insomnia
• Muscle weakness
• Restless or irritable

Read more: Depression: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Additionally, consult with your doctor if you experience the following symptoms of hypothyroidism (insufficient production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland):

• Prone to feeling cold
• Easily fatigued
• Xerosis Amnesia
• Depression
• Constipation

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or use the consultation features available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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