Pediatric multinodular goiter (MNG)

What is a pediatric multinodular goiter (MNG)?

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 a pediatric multinodular goiter (MNG)?

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 or Swelling

• Unexplained weight loss

How is a pediatric multinodular goiter (MNG) 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

• Ultrasound

• 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 a pediatric multinodular goiter (MNG)?

The exact cause of multinodular goiter is unknown. Possible contributors may include:

• Iron deficiency

• Other thyroid conditions (e.g., thyroiditis, Graves’ disease)

How is a pediatric multinodular goiter (MNG) 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.)