Pediatric Multinodular Goiter
What is Pediatric Multinodular Goiter?
A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. A multinodular goiter is made up of multiple thyroid nodules.
Risk Factors
Multinodular goiter is more common in girls than in boys. Other risk factors may include:
A family history of thyroid nodules
Previous radiation exposure to the head and neck
Age (incidence increases with age)
Other thyroid conditions
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Multinodular Goiter?
Many children with multinodular goiter do not have any symptoms, so the goiter is initially discovered during a routine physical exam. For those who do have symptoms, they may include:
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty breathing
Neck or throat pain
Hoarseness
Neck Mass / Swelling
How is Pediatric Multinodular Goiter diagnosed?
There are several methods that are used for diagnosing multinodular goiter. Your doctor may use a combination of these methods:
History and physical exam
Blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels
Radioactive iodine uptake test (a noninvasive test to determine how much radioactive iodine is absorbed by the thyroid gland over a period of time)
Fine needle biopsy (removal of a small amount of thyroid tissue using a thin needle; the tissue is later examined under a microscope.)
What are the causes of Pediatric Multinodular Goiter?
The exact cause of multinodular goiter is unknown. Possible contributors may include:
Iron deficiency
Other thyroid conditions (e.g., thyroiditis, Graves’ disease)
How is Pediatric Multinodular Goiter treated?
Treatment for multinodular goiter may include:
“Watchful waiting:” monitoring your child’s condition, but no initial treatment
Medications to regulate thyroid hormones
Radioactive iodine: a liquid that is absorbed into the thyroid and reduces the size and activity of the nodules
Surgery to remove the nodules (all or part of the thyroid gland may also need to be removed.)
Pediatric Multinodular Goiter Doctors and Providers
