Thyroid Adenoma

A thyroid adenoma is nothing more than a lump or growth on the thyroid gland. It is non-cancerous but it still can create many problems.

The adenoma thyroid is a thin layer of cells that grows on the inside surface of the thyroid gland. The tumors also secrete thyroid hormone. If they produce enough, then it causes hyperthyroidism. If the tumor grows large enough, then it creates pressure on the surrounding tissue and creates other problems.

Symptoms of Thyroid Adenoma

Depending on the tumor, there are several symptoms. The first set of symptoms occurs if the tumor is large and presses on the surrounding tissue. You'll notice some difficulty breathing or perhaps swallowing. There may be a change in your voice or hoarseness. You'll notice, perhaps a goiter. Most of all, the tumor can be a pain in the neck, both literally and figuratively.

If the nodule produces any additional thyroid hormone, it causes hyperthyroidism. Regardless of the cause of hyperthyroidism, the symptoms are still the same. You notice a racing heart and racing thoughts. There's weight loss with an increase in appetite. You'll feel restless, nervous and your skin will look flushed most of the time but still be clammy.

If you have a nodule but also have Hashimoto's disease, you'll notice other symptoms. These include facial swelling, fatigue, dry skin, loss of hair and the inability to tolerate the cold.

Causes of Thyroid Adenoma

Sometimes there's no specific cause for the adenoma. There are, however, some more prevalent reasons for the condition. The first is the lack of iodine. If you have a shortage, there's a potential for the lack of enough nourishment to the thyroid gland. This malnourishment can create changes. One of these changes is more prolific cell growth or potential adenoma.

The second potential is Hashimoto's disease. Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the thyroid gland. It creates many problems, one of which is thyroid adenomas.

Your hypothalamus in the brain produces the TSH, thyroid-stimulating hormone that tells the thyroid it's time to go into production of thyroid hormone. Sometimes, a genetic abnormality limits the TSH produced or stops the production in the hypothalamus entirely. When this happens, it can cause a problem in the thyroid that eventually leads to an adenoma.

As mentioned earlier, people that had radiation treatments focused on the head or neck during their early years of life have an increased tendency to develop a thyroid adenoma.

Go to Thyroid Disease Symptoms from Thyroid Adenoma