The goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) is a symptom and not a disease. Therefore, the therapy depends on the underlying cause of the thyroid enlargement. There are a number of factors that must be taken into account.
The subjective complaints, the degree of struma, the result of the examinations, the age, the general condition and the patient’s wishes are essential factors that play a significant role in the choice of treatment. There are situations in which no therapy is performed. However, there are some treatment options available.
In the case of iodine deficiency goiter, a reduction in the size of the thyroid gland can be achieved by taking iodide tablets. In cases where the iodine deficiency is very pronounced, additional treatment is given with thyroid hormones. Drugs that dampen thyroid function (thyrostatics) are given in cases of hyperthyroidism.
Drug therapy
In the case of iodine deficiency goiter, a reduction in the size of the thyroid gland can be achieved by taking iodide tablets. In cases where the iodine deficiency is very pronounced, additional treatment with thyroid hormones is administered. Drugs that dampen thyroid function (thyrostatics) are given in cases of hyperthyroidism.
Radioiodine therapy
This is a type of irradiation that is specifically aimed at the iodine-storing thyroid tissue. The radioactive iodine-131 is stored in the hormone-producing thyroid cells. In the process, the cells that are particularly active are destroyed.
Therefore, radioiodine therapy can prevent the uncontrolled formation of thyroid hormones in “hot” nodes. This treatment is also successfully applied to enlarged thyroid glands that show no or only insignificant changes despite a balanced drug treatment. The main focus of radioiodine therapy, however, is on tumor treatment, especially as a follow-up treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma/thyroid cancer after surgery.
The radioactive iodine-131 is taken orally in the form of capsules. For radiation protection reasons, patients must be admitted as in-patients – usually for about 5 days. During this time they are not allowed to receive any visitors. After their own radioactivity has decayed, they can be discharged home.