Thyromegaly

Thyromegaly refers to an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck and plays a critical role in regulating the body's metabolism through hormone production.

This condition may present as a visibly enlarged neck mass or be discovered incidentally on imaging or physical examination.

Thyromegaly is commonly associated with a goiter and may result from various underlying causes, including iodine deficiency, autoimmune diseases (such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease), multinodular goiter, or thyroid neoplasms.

Symptoms of thyromegaly can range from asymptomatic to presenting with compressive symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, a sensation of neck fullness, hoarseness, or breathing difficulties if the gland becomes large enough to impinge on the trachea or esophagus.

Diagnosis typically involves physical examination, thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4), and imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT/MRI of the neck to evaluate the size, structure, and presence of nodules or cystic areas.

Radioactive iodine uptake scans may also be used in certain cases to assess functional activity.

Treatment depends on the underlying etiology and may involve iodine supplementation, thyroid hormone replacement, antithyroid medications, or surgery in cases of malignancy or significant compression.

Recognizing and evaluating thyromegaly is essential for early intervention and to prevent complications related to airway compression or hormonal imbalance.