How to treat nodular goiter?

(1) Iodine supplementation: If it is determined that nodular goiter is caused by iodine deficiency, iodine supplementation can be used, such as oral potassium iodide and compound iodine solution. In the process of iodine supplementation, thyroid function should be closely monitored to avoid inducing hyperthyroidism.

(2) Thyroid hormone: Taking thyroid hormone may make the thyroid atrophy, but the nodule is difficult to disappear, and it is easy to relapse after stopping taking the drug. Long-term use of thyroid hormone may also lead to osteoporosis and heart disease. So this kind of treatment is rarely used now.

(3) Surgery: Only when the goiter is obvious, oppressing the surrounding organs, affecting the quality of life, or complicated with goiter, the drug treatment is ineffective, or the nodule is suspected to be malignant, or there are cosmetic requirements, will surgery be considered. It may recur after operation.

(4) 13 1I for radiotherapy: it is suitable for patients with nodular goiter complicated with hyperthyroidism, but it is forbidden for pregnant women. Radioactive 13 1I therapy may lead to permanent hypothyroidism, which requires lifelong medication.

Each of the above treatments has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the medical community has not yet formed a unified opinion on which treatment is better. For most patients with nodular goiter, as long as there are no iodine deficiency, hyperthyroidism and obvious compression symptoms, doctors prefer to choose observation therapy, that is, no treatment, only regular review.