Introduction
Hot nodules in the thyroid gland are areas that have a particularly active metabolism and produce many hormones. The cause of a hot node is relatively one-sided in itself, but must be distinguished from other clinical pictures. Usually, such a lump can be treated well.
If the course of the disease is prolonged without successful therapy, it can lead to hyperthyroidism, which has various effects on the human body. Even if a hot lump in itself does not pose any danger to the patient, a severe hyperthyroidism can still threaten his life or even end fatally. Cold nodules, however, occur much more frequently.
Symptoms
Hot lumps can exist at the beginning of their formation without any symptoms. In the further course of the disease there are patients who never experience any effects on the body as disturbing and therefore the formation of knots remains undiscovered. In the blood, the levels of thyroid hormones are more or less strongly elevated, which indicates an overfunctioning of the organ.
Even with hot nodules, the clinical picture gradually builds up, but follows the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Thus, fundamental restlessness, sleeping problems, unintentional weight loss, heavy sweating, accelerated digestion with diarrhea, hair loss and muscle cramps are mostly in the foreground. Not always all signs of hyperthyroidism have to appear, since individual variations are also possible.
Causes
Benign tumors are in most cases the cause of a hot lump. Such a tumor is also called an adenoma. Adenomas can develop in the thyroid gland, which is responsible for the iodine balance, due to a lack of exactly this substance.
If a person does not take up enough iodine with his food, the thyroid gland cannot produce enough hormones because they contain iodine. In order to maintain the hormone level, the body tries to compensate for the reduced production by growing the thyroid gland. To do this, growth hormones are secreted, which can now lead to local cell proliferation – a lump is formed.
In some cases, the tissue that was stimulated to grow becomes independent, which is called an autonomous (self-sufficient) adenoma. These cells escape the control of the brain and now produce hormones in excess. In this way, one or more nodes can develop.
If the nodules in the thyroid gland take over, this is called a disseminated (widespread) adenoma. This is where the differentiation between hot nodules and Graves’ disease must now take place. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease in which the controlled control of the entire thyroid gland is lost.
A general over-functioning occurs, which is no longer limited to the focal (focal) area. In very rare cases, both clinical pictures occur at the same time – there is a Marine-Lenhart syndrome. In this case, the diagnosis is made very difficult.
Thyroid cancer is usually associated with cold nodes. If a scintigraphy is performed and an area without metabolic activity is presented, a malignant tumor disease must always be excluded first. Hot nodules are caused by a benign tumor.
It is extremely unlikely that an existing hot node in the thyroid gland will develop into a thyroid carcinoma, i.e. a malignant tumor. This is one reason why hot nodules are usually relatively harmless for the patient. However, a patient whose thyroid gland has hot nodules can also have a bad course of disease – namely due to hyperthyroidism.
The thyroid gland plays an important role in the control of energy balance and growth. It influences the cells of the body with the help of the hormones it produces – T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). In the case of hyperthyroidism, too many hormones are produced.
The metabolism is boosted and an excess of energy is produced for the body. Every patient reacts individually to hyperthyroidism. It often goes unnoticed at first, but can later become not only a burden but also a danger.
The entire body responds to the excess energy. Patients are in a permanent state of restlessness and excitement, have difficulty relaxing or sleeping, and tend to sweat more. Blood pressure rises and the heart beats faster, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation.The restlessness manifests itself not only psychologically, but also motorically in a tremor (trembling) and muscle weakness. Due to the extreme metabolism, patients lose weight despite a permanent feeling of hunger and complain of increased bowel movements, up to and including diarrhea. Further distressing symptoms are hair loss and menstrual disorders.
