The thyroid gland is the most important human endocrine organ. One of the most common pathologies affecting it is a cyst. Consider the methods of diagnosis, symptoms and treatment of a thyroid cyst.

The structural unit of the thyroid gland is the follicle. Inside it are glandular cells that synthesize hormones, and colloidal contents. The follicles are collected in lobules - acini, from which thyroid hormones enter the general bloodstream. If the production of colloidal secretion increases, and outflow is difficult, the contents of the follicle increases, its wall stretches, cavities with dense walls, that is, cysts, are formed.

Reasons for education:

• microbleeding;
• proliferation of follicles;
• atrophy of the lobules;
• blockage of the lobule ducts.

A thyroid cyst is a cavity formation with liquidish contents, surrounded by a dense capsule. Location - any part of the gland. There are single and multiple cysts, and they are observed more often in women than in men. Malfunctions of the thyroid gland affect the state of the nervous, cardiovascular, immune systems. Women have problems with childbirth, men have erectile dysfunction.

Types of cysts

A colloid cyst is characterized by a benign course. It has no effect on the functional activity of the thyroid gland. With a small size, it is asymptomatic and is often detected by chance on ultrasound of the thyroid gland for another disease. It does not require urgent intervention (medication, surgical), but only the observation of an endocrinologist is necessary.

Follicular - hormone-dependent cyst... With a decrease in the production of hormones, symptoms of hypothyroidism occur, with an increase - hyperthyroidism. A large percentage of degeneration into a malignant neoplasm.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms appear when the cyst enlarges and the adjacent organs are squeezed:

• feeling of a lump in the throat;
• sore throat;
• a cough not associated with a cold;
• soreness in the neck;
• hoarseness, loss of voice;
• deformation of the neck.

Factors contributing to development:

• lack of iodine;
• dyshormonal disorders under the influence of internal and external factors;
• heredity;
• inflammation;
• age over 40;
• stressful situations;
• intoxication;
• trauma.

The disease goes through several stages:

1. Cyst formation. The dimensions are small - less than 30 mm. There are no symptoms. Discovered by accident
2. Mature cyst. A cavity with liquid contents, enclosed in a capsule, is formed. Size - more than 3 cm. Characteristic symptoms appear.
3. The third stage has three options:
   • With good immunity, spontaneous resorption occurs.
   • The cyst is stably at the same level.
   • Rapid build-up of volume.

Diagnostics

On palpation of the thyroid gland, a dense elastic formation is found, sometimes painful when palpating. Differential diagnosis is carried out with nodes and goiter of the thyroid gland. On ultrasound, the cyst is even clearly identified as a cavity with the fluid contained in it.

A biopsy is performed to determine the contents of the thyroid cyst. Depending on the results of the histological examination of the biopsy specimen, the doctor will determine the tactics of further treatment.

When punctured, the contents of the cyst can be hemorrhagic in nature - with traces of blood and destroyed cellular epithelium. In congenital cysts, the contents are transparent with a yellowish tinge. With suppuration, pus. If the cyst degenerates into malignant tumor, atypical cancer cells are determined in the material.

Treatment

Thyroid cyst therapy is determined by the stage, size of formation, degree functional disorders, the results of cytology biopsy.

Drug therapy is carried out using the appointment

• hormones;
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• drugs that relieve swelling;
• medicines that improve blood circulation;
• antibiotics are indicated for inflammation.

Small cysts that do not affect the thyroid gland can be treated with hormones. Sometimes it is sufficient to prescribe iodine-containing preparations (Iodomarin) or an iodine-fortified diet that includes seafood.

If the cyst is large and fills up quickly after puncture, minimally invasive surgical treatment is performed.

1. Sclerotherapy method. A puncture is performed, the liquid contents of the cyst are aspirated. As a sclerosing substance, 96% ethyl alcohol is introduced. Protein coagulation occurs, destruction and adhesion of the cyst walls. In case of relapses, the procedure is repeated.
2. Laser coagulation is carried out under ultrasound control. An LED with a temperature of 45 degrees is placed in the thyroid gland. The operation is performed under local anesthesia.

If it is impossible to do with minimally invasive surgical procedures, a radical operation is performed to remove part of an organ or the entire affected thyroid gland.

Indications for stumectomy surgery:

• large cyst;
• compression of the trachea with respiratory distress;
• significant dysfunction;
• suppuration of the cyst with the transition to an abscess;
• histological confirmation of cyst malignancy - transformation into cancer.

Traditional methods

Folk remedies to treat a thyroid cyst is allowed if it is small in size, proceeds without complications and inflammation. A prerequisite is agreement with the attending physician.

Walnut Recipes

Celandine is a poisonous plant. The technique is safe if the recommended dosages are strictly adhered to. At the first sign of poisoning, you should immediately seek medical attention.

Pour a glass of fresh celandine raw materials with a glass of vodka. Keep in a pot, covered with a lid, in a warm place for 2 weeks. Filter thoroughly, pour into a dark glass bottle.

Every morning add the product to a tablespoon of milk drop by drop and take on an empty stomach for a month:

• the first day - 2 drops;
• add 2 drops daily up to 8 days;
• from 9 to 30 days - 16 drops.

Six months later, the course is repeated.

Ginger

At home, ginger root is used to treat cysts. Water decoctions, alcoholic tinctures are prepared from it and simply drunk, adding to tea.

Other means

1. Potentilla root tincture... For 100 g of root, 500 ml of vodka is required, the mixture is poured into a thermos and left for a month. Drink for 30 days, 30 drops per dose, three times a day before meals.
2. Herbal collection. Ingredients: 6 grams of lemon balm, valerian; 4 grams of hawthorn, Icelandic moss, sweet clover grass, elecampane root; 5 g hop cones; 3 g of licorice and sage. Pour the resulting 2 tablespoons of herbs into a thermos with a liter of boiling water. After 8 hours, take a third of the glass 3 times a day. The course is 40-55 days with a break of two weeks.
3. Grind 2 lemons in a blender along with the zest, add 500 ml of viburnum berry juice, 250 aloe juice, 150 g of honey, 200 ml of alcohol. Mix the contents thoroughly and place in a cold place without access to light for 7 days. Take a tablespoon before meals three times a day. Continue the treatment until the end of the healing mixture.
4. Juice therapy. Take daily 100 ml of freshly squeezed juices of potatoes, cucumbers, beets, carrots. Dilute the concentrated juice with boiled water 1: 1.

Doctors have a negative attitude to compresses and lotions of the thyroid gland... Exposure to the follicles of heat, cold, aggressive substances can lead to their damage, and compensatory increased cell proliferation will provoke metaplasia - a precancerous condition.

Pathological processes in thyroid gland negatively affect the whole body. In case of violations of her work, first of all, consultation and treatment with an endocrinologist is necessary, and folk methods should be perceived as auxiliary in order to improve the general condition.

Quite often, doctors have to deal with problems when diagnosing pathological formations in the thyroid gland, which is due to the similarity of symptoms in a certain group of diseases of this organ. In addition, anomalies in this organ have rather weak clinical signs at the beginning of its development. The most harmless formation that can develop in this area is a cyst of the left lobe of the thyroid gland.

In addition, this pathology can also occur in the right lobe of the thyroid gland. However, even such a disease should be detected in a timely manner and the correct treatment prescribed. The reason is that the correct functioning of a large number of systems in the body depends on the work of this organ.

The very cystic pathology in the thyroid gland is a formation containing a colloidal liquid inside and at the same time has a benign character. Such an anomaly is determined, first of all, during palpation of the nodes located in the region of this organ. It is important to note that such anomalies do not occur in healthy people, so the main risk group is those with certain diseases or problems with the thyroid gland. According to statistics, every 20 people face this problem. In addition, the female sex is more susceptible to this.

At the beginning of its development, cystic formation does not manifest itself in any way and does not have pronounced symptoms. This makes it difficult to identify pathology and its diagnosis at an early stage. In addition, there is a certain probability that a neoplasm can degenerate into a malignant one, although this is quite rare. In total, there are several types of cysts that arise in the left lobe of the thyroid gland:

• Follicular;

The first is a formation around which there is a dense capsule on all sides. It grows rather slowly. Moreover, the shape of such an anomaly resembles a single node. And due to a very long period of growth and development, this type of pathology will be in a "sleeping" mode for a long time. At this time, he will not have any symptoms or disruption of the organ itself.

As for a colloid cyst, it often has the form of a cavity, inside which there is a protein liquid. Due to being in the formation of a colloid, it got its name. Such types of neoplasms are very easily detected using ultrasound, due to the fact that the color of the liquid in them is significantly different from that of the adjacent tissues.

Causes of occurrence

The main factors affecting the appearance of the thyroid cyst of the left lobe are the ongoing changes in the structure of tissues, as well as in some parts of this organ. In addition, the reasons for the appearance can also include such signs as:

• An increase in the number of follicles. Due to this, there is a large growth of one or at once a whole group of formations;
• Development of follicular dystrophy. Because of this, there is a partial, and in some cases, complete death of adjacent tissues;
• Stagnant processes, directly in the gland itself;
• Decrease in the amount of iodine in the body or poor assimilation of it (We recommend to go through it in the body);
• Getting bruises or minor injuries that cause hemorrhage in the area of \u200b\u200bthe follicles;
• Staying for a long time in an area where the background radiation level is significantly increased. Due to this, after the accident that occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, about 40% of the population who lived in the affected area today have problems with the thyroid gland.

Symptoms

At first, when the follicle degenerates directly into a cyst, due to the growth of its size, there are no obvious symptoms of this process. At this stage, after the examination, the specialist can only make an assumption that such an ailment exists. Over time, there is a gradual growth of this formation, which leads to the appearance of pronounced symptoms. This will reveal the presence of seals during palpation and will give rise to diagnostic measures. In total, the signs that will indicate the appearance of a cyst are:

• An increase in the size of the gland, which becomes noticeable even visually or is easily determined in the form of a seal during palpation;
• Emergence painful sensations while swallowing. Similar feelings will be observed even if saliva is simply swallowed. In addition, there is a feeling that there is a lump in the throat that you want to swallow;
• A feeling of squeezing in the throat, which will only get worse as the cyst grows;
• The onset of shortness of breath, as well as breathing problems, manifested during a long walk or with strong physical activity... Due to the growth of pathology, it begins to block the larynx, which greatly interferes with the free movement of air during breathing;
• A voice change occurs. This is expressed in his hoarseness or hoarseness. In the worst case scenario, the voice may disappear altogether;
• The appearance of "wandering pain". It will arise spontaneously as well as disappear.

If you have these symptoms, you need to immediately go to the hospital, where doctors will be able to determine the severity of the disease, and after carrying out the necessary diagnostic procedures, they will prescribe treatment.

Signs of thyroid dysfunction

Cyst and pregnancy

The appearance of any disorders in the work of the thyroid gland, when a child is being carried, should be carefully observed, due to the fact that all this may in the future affect the development and health of the unborn child. Due to this, during pregnancy, it is necessary to regularly undergo hormonal research. The most common causes that precede pathological changes in this gland are:

• Development of iodine deficiency;
• Poor stress resistance;
• The presence of heredity;
• Injuries in which the thyroid gland has been damaged;
• Hormonal imbalance.

If a cyst is detected in a pregnant woman, this will not be an indication on the basis of which it must be interrupted. The fact is that if you diagnose on time and start timely treatment, then this will allow to neutralize the negative consequences of this anomaly. If necessary, surgical intervention can be prescribed. It is important to note that this will only be done after labor has passed. Before that, different therapeutic methods will be used to increase iodine in the body, and sclerotherapy can also be used.

Normal indicators of the content of hormones in the thyroid gland

Diagnostics

To correctly deliver the diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo a whole range of diagnostic measures. First of all, this is a visual examination, as well as palpation. After that, a blood test is performed for hormones that are synthesized by this organ. To determine the nature of the pathology, a biopsy is performed, which makes it possible to take material for its histological examination. Based on the received data on education, the attending physician makes a decision on what will be his further treatment.

Worth knowing! Puncture of thyroid nodules is the most basic method of diagnostics today. This is due to the fact that the received biological material from the cyst is subsequently examined for the presence of various pathogens and malignant cells in it. And this is already necessary in order to correctly prescribe further treatment.

Treatment

Among these pathologies, the cyst of the right lobe of the thyroid gland is the most frequent illnessthan anomalies in the left. This is due to the peculiarities of the development of the embryo, because the process of origin of the right parts occurs in a person several weeks earlier than the left. The former reach a size of 1.5 cm, while the latter are somewhat smaller in size and in rather rare cases they can exceed a diameter of 1 cm.

However, treatment of even such formations is mandatory. There are cases when the pathology reaches a size of more than 4 cm, which is an indication for its surgical removal. Small cysts of the left lobe of the thyroid gland undergo therapeutic treatment, as well as regular monitoring of the condition by the attending physician.

When a pathological neoplasm exceeds 1 cm, then minimally invasive methods are used surgical treatment diseases. They consist in the implementation of fine-needle puncture, during which there is a partial removal of the colloidal liquid in the cavity. After that, a special sclerosant solution is introduced into it, which will prevent the accumulation of escudate there, due to the gluing of the walls of the anomaly from the inside.

In addition, conducting a fine-needle puncture allows for the collection of material necessary for its further histological analysis. It will reveal the presence of various causative agents of purulent processes.

Worth knowing! In those cases when the patient was treated by sclerotherapy, and after that he again had a cystic formation in the left lobe of the thyroid gland - this is an indicator for carrying out directly surgical resection and complete removal of the pathology.

At the same time, the appearance of such an anomaly of the thyroid gland is accompanied by a very interesting phenomenon, which is called a compensatory pattern. The essence of this phenomenon lies in the fact that the growth of the left lobe, due to the growth of a cyst in it, has nothing to do with the right lobe. At the same time, the development of such an anomaly does not in fact pose an immediate threat to the patient's life, however, it should be regularly monitored by an endocrinologist.

The thyroid gland is one of the key organs of the endocrine system, which produces hormones important for our body - thyroxine and triiodothyronine. The metabolism of proteins and fats, calcium-phosphorus metabolism, and therefore, the growth of a person, as well as the strength of his teeth and bones, depend on the correct functioning of the thyroid gland.

But the thyroid gland, like any other organ in the human body, is susceptible to diseases, including the appearance of a cyst. A thyroid cyst is called a benign tumor that looks like a capsule with liquid or solid contents that has appeared in the tissues of this organ.

Most often, the fair sex is faced with such an unpleasant problem. And with age, the likelihood of a cyst increases significantly. Nevertheless, when faced with such a growth, you should not panic or become depressed - in 90% of cases, a timely detected tumor responds well to treatment. However, it is also dangerous to ignore a cyst, because some of its types can degenerate into cancer, becoming a serious threat to human health and life. We will talk about the types, symptoms, and how to treat a thyroid cyst in this article.

Causes of the cyst "thyroid"

The appearance of a growth in the thyroid gland can be triggered by a variety of reasons and not always lead to its appearance endocrine diseases... By the way, this is observed only in 5% of cases.

Of the reasons that provoke the formation of a cyst in the organ in question, it is worth highlighting:

• viral diseases;
• obstruction of the ducts of the organ due to its blockage;
• hemorrhage in the thyroid gland;
• iodine deficiency in the body;
• dystrophy of the "thyroid";
• growth of gland follicles;
• malignant diseases in the body and attempts to treat them with radiation and chemotherapy;
• autoimmune diseases associated with inflammation of the thyroid gland;
• radiation exposure (especially in childhood);
• genetic predisposition (the presence of such cysts in close relatives).

We also add that age over 40 and female sex should also be attributed to risk factors for the appearance of a cyst "thyroid". At least statistics show that women face this ailment 4 times more often.

Types and symptoms of cysts

Experts pay attention to the fact that cysts that appear in the tissues of the "thyroid" can differ in type. These can be single or multiple growths, as well as benign or malignant tumors. Let's study them in more detail.

1. Colloid cyst. This is a common type in which the cyst cavity is filled with a homogeneous fluid, serous or colloidal type (the so-called nodular or diffuse nodular goiter). Surgical treatment for this neoplasm is not always required. Having found such a cyst in a patient, the doctor chooses the observation tactics, and all because over time the growth can dissolve on its own. It is also premature to fear the degeneration of a cyst into a malignant tumor, because it does not happen more often than in 5% of cases.

2. Follicular cyst. This type is most typical for women. This cyst is a dense growth of follicular cells, which is why it is often called a thyroid adenoma. What is characteristic, at an early stage, such a tumor rarely manifests itself, but it is found during a period of intensive growth and increase in size. This process is dangerous, as it can be accompanied by malignancy (malignancy of the gland cells).

3. Multiple cysts. This is not a type of cystic neoplasm, but rather, the conclusion of a medical study. In fact, this is the first sign of overgrowth of the right or left lobe of the gland, which in the vast majority of cases appears due to iodine deficiency in the body. Having identified such an anomaly through ultrasound, the specialist immediately prescribes iodine preparations for the patient, recommends a diet aimed at replenishing the deficiency of this microelement, recommends normalizing his psychological background and taking care of the environmental aspect that can lead to a lack of iodine in the body.

4. Malignant cyst. This neoplasm is quite rare, but it is extremely difficult to diagnose it, since it grows very slowly and does not manifest itself for a long time. The period is especially dangerous when the cyst begins to rapidly progress and increase in size. To confirm the diagnosis, a particle of such a neoplasm is sent for a biopsy.

Symptoms of the thyroid cyst

A small cyst does not manifest itself in any way, and therefore a person can live with it for a long time, completely unaware of the presence of a growth and feeling completely healthy. In the early stages, such cysts are found exclusively during diagnostic measures associated with the identification of other diseases.

The cyst begins to manifest itself at a time when its size exceeds 3 cm in diameter, and this is due to a negative effect on the nearby organs. A neoplasm can be identified by the following criteria:

• the appearance of a dense bump on the neck, which is completely painless on palpation;
• difficulty breathing and discomfort (in some cases pain) while swallowing
• a feeling of a lump in the throat and a feeling of squeezing;
• the appearance of bouts of coughing and sore throat;
• growth of lymph nodes;
• development of tachycardia;
• high blood pressure;
• drowsiness and fatigue;
• discomfort caused by sudden changes in temperature;
• shortness of breath and hoarseness, causing a change in voice;
• sweating;
• increased irritability;
• rapid weight loss;
• an increase or decrease in the production of thyroid hormones.

Cyst development stages

Let's also say that during its development, a cystic neoplasm goes through several stages.

As we said above, at the first stage of the disease, the cyst does not manifest itself with any symptoms and it is simply impossible to suspect its presence.

The second stage can be called the stage of cyst growth, because during this period, fluid accumulates in its cavity, and it continues to grow systematically, provoking discomfort in the throat area and forcing a person to see a doctor. At this stage, the presence of a cyst can be easily identified in the laboratory.

The third stage is crucial. On it, the cyst can either dissolve on its own, which often happens in the case of strong immunity, or go into an oncological tumor, which has a solid consistency and is distinguished by uncontrolled growth.

By the way, according to experts, a change in the timbre of the voice in the presence of a cyst in the "thyroid gland" is a wake-up call about malignant changes occurring in the organ in question.

Possible complications

The cyst of the thyroid gland cannot be ignored, because often this neoplasm is complicated inflammatory process followed by suppuration. And this, in turn, increases the likelihood of rupture of the cyst with the subsequent development of peritonitis and sepsis. The fact that the cyst has begun to become inflamed will be indicated by a high temperature (over 40 ° C), an increase and soreness of the cervical lymph nodes, as well as severe pain at the site of the cyst.

In addition, as the cyst grows, it can damage nearby blood vessels, causing internal hemorrhage. And this is no less a danger to life than sepsis or peritonitis.

Finally, leaving the cyst unattended, you can face its degeneration into a cancerous tumor. In no case should this be allowed, and therefore, at the first symptoms of this disease, hurry to a specialist and go through all the proposed procedures.

Diagnosis of the disease

With a thyroid cyst, it is necessary to consult an endocrinologist. To begin with, he will interview the patient, try to palpate the swelling in the neck, and then suggest that the patient go through the following diagnostic measures:

- Ultrasound of the thyroid gland. This type of diagnosis is one of the most common and most informative ways to identify a cyst. Ultrasound not only detects a growth, but also allows you to determine its type, volume and structure.

- Fine needle biopsy. To find out what cells the cyst consists of, a specialist uses a thin needle to make a puncture in the neck, exactly opposite the neoplasm, and, having penetrated into the cyst, takes away part of the tissue that forms the tumor. Subsequently, these tissues are sent for biopsy.

If the cyst has one cavity and liquid contents, after performing a puncture, the specialist empties it, and then injects a sclerosing solution into the cyst cavity. This approach in 50% of cases allows you to get rid of the existing neoplasm and avoid subsequent surgery.

If necessary, specialists carry out other diagnostic procedures, in particular:

• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify the structure of the cyst;
• angiography, to prevent vascular complications;
• scintigraphy, for better visualization and study of the structure of the growth;
• bronchoscopy, for examining the bronchi and trachea;
• laryngoscopy, for examining the larynx;
• a blood test to control the level of thyroid hormones.

Cyst treatment

Methods for treating a cyst in the thyroid gland depend on the nature of the detected neoplasm.

The cyst itself does not pose a health hazard, which means that if it is not large in size and is not prone to progression, doctors choose monitoring tactics without the use of medications.

Given that a small cyst does not affect the activity of the thyroid gland, you can try to cope with it by taking thyroid medications, as well as a diet with foods rich in iodine.

When the cyst reaches a certain size and it becomes necessary to take a puncture, at the same time the doctor can perform hardening of the growth. In this case, alcohol acts as a sclerosant, which glues the walls of the cyst and promotes its resorption.

Laser coagulation can be an alternative to sclerosis. To do this, using a laser, the doctor heats up the skin area under which the cyst is located. As a result of this process, the protein that is part of the cyst is destroyed, and with it the growth itself disappears.

When the cyst reaches 4 cm in diameter, experts decide to remove it surgically. Moreover, depending on the type and complexity of the neoplasm, such operations can be divided into:

• hemistrumectomy (removal of part of the gland);
• resection of most of the gland (in the presence of a bilateral or too large cyst);
• removal of the entire "thyroid gland" and nearby lymph nodes in the presence of an oncological process in it.

It is only necessary to add that surgery is an extreme measure, which specialists take only in cases where a cyst:

• causes dysphagia;
• provokes breathing problems by putting pressure on the larynx and trachea;
• violates hormonal levels in the body;
• suppurates;
• causes neck deformity;
• prone to malignancy.

Alternative treatment of cysts

We must say right away that most doctors have a negative attitude towards attempts to fight the cyst through non-traditional methods of treatment. Nevertheless, practice shows that some cysts are resolved precisely under the influence of traditional medicine recipes.

Alternative medicine offers the following recipes for treating thyroid cysts:

1. A decoction of oak bark can be used to prepare hot compresses, which should then be applied to the neck area at night. The procedures are carried out every evening until the problem is corrected.

2. In a similar way, hot compresses with iodized salt, which are also applied to the neck area at night, act on the cyst. An alternative to them can be compresses of beets and honey, slightly warmed up before being applied to the neck.

3. For resorption of the cyst, traditional healers recommend preparing an alcoholic tincture from the medicinal plant zamanihi, and taking such a remedy twice a day, 20 drops diluted in half a glass of water.

4. Start your day daily with 1 tsp. flaxseed oil and after 1.5-2 months, the growth in the thyroid gland will begin to decrease in size.

5. Popular belief says that by wearing amber beads around your neck you will avoid the appearance of a cyst in the thyroid gland or eliminate an existing tumor by starting to wear such an ornament.

In addition, let's say that it is possible to prevent or eliminate an already appeared thyroid cyst with the help of proper nutrition. To do this, it is important to diversify your menu with iodine-containing products, namely, cod liver and seaweed, buckwheat porridge and tomatoes, shrimps and walnuts, berries and prunes, beets and rowan berries, dates, feijoa and eggplant. And it is advisable to season your dishes with sea or iodized salt.

Prevention of cysts

It doesn't take much to prevent this disease. To do this, it is important to adhere to the diet described above, avoid prolonged exposure to the scorching rays of the sun, as well as stay in radioactive zones and areas of increased environmental pollution. In addition, it is important to avoid physical and emotional overload, and visit an endocrinologist 2 times a year to check the level of thyroid hormones.
Take care of yourself!

A thyroid cyst is a fluid-filled, hollow nodule.

According to statistics, a thyroid cyst occurs in about 3-5% of the world's population. But in recent years, there has been a rapid increase in patients with this pathology. Women are more susceptible to cysts. Mostly all cysts are benign and rarely degenerate into a malignant form. But this does not mean that treatment of the thyroid cyst is not required. Adequate therapy should be initiated immediately upon detection. It often happens that the cyst disappears as suddenly as it appears, and sometimes its course is complicated by an inflammatory process or suppuration.

Typically, a thyroid cyst is a consequence of another disease that interferes with the outflow of colloidal fluid from the follicle of the gland. Therefore, many doctors are inclined to attribute it not to an independent disease, but to a complication of any existing disease.

Classification

Depending on the content, the following classification of cysts is distinguished:

1. Colloidal, consisting of a mass of colloidal substance. The growth of such a cyst leads to the appearance diffuse goiter, no treatment is required, developmental monitoring is necessary.
2. Follicular (adenoma) - with newly formed follicular cells in the composition. There are no cavities in the colloidal content, the structure is dense.
3. A cystic solid mass includes epithelial cells, usually filled with blood. This type of cyst does not resolve on its own and more often than others it transforms into cancer.
4. Cystadenoma occurs when there is a violation of blood circulation in the gland. Thyroid nodes transform into a cyst. The tissue is necrotic, a cavity appears. The function of the organ decreases, hypothyroidism develops.
5. Multiple thyroid cysts. Conditions provoked by iodine deficiency, considered an initial pathological hyperplasia of tissue structure.

There are the following types of cystic formations:

• right-sided - large, complex in morphology, widespread;
• the cyst of the left lobe is smaller and simpler in structure, less common;
• an isthmus cyst has a great tendency to malignancy (degeneration into cancer), before others it causes compression of the larynx;
• small cysts;
• a cyst of both lobes of the thyroid gland, which is rare.

Causes of occurrence

The main reason for the appearance of formations is a violation of the outflow of secretion or colloidal fluid from the follicles. This leads to the accumulation of fluid inside them and the formation of cavities. This situation can arise under the influence of many factors, since the thyroid gland is a very sensitive organ that reacts to any disturbance in homeostasis. A prerequisite for the formation of cavities in the gland is the excessive consumption of the main hormones produced by the thyroid gland - thyroxine (T3) and triiodothyronine (T4). This is facilitated by excessive psycho-emotional stress, excessive changes in body temperature. This leads to a violation of elasticity and the formation of cysts.

In addition to these reasons, there are a number of additional factors that contribute to the formation of cavities in the thyroid gland.

• iodine deficiency;
• hormonal imbalance;
• pathological inflammatory processes occurring in the thyroid gland;
• pollution of the environment, life in adverse environmental conditions;
• intoxication of an exo- and endogenous nature;
• traumatic neck injuries;
• hereditary and congenital pathologies.

The emergence of colloidal cavities can also contribute to frequent pregnancies, non-compliance with the daily regimen, bad habits, violations of the regime and diet.

Cysts and thyroid nodules should not be confused. Nodules have a less favorable prognosis - according to statistics, 20% of patients diagnosed with a node develop malignant neoplasms. Cystic cavities can become cancerous in 7% of cases. Also, cavities more than 4 cm in diameter have a high probability of the formation of a cancerous tumor.

Stages of development of nodules

The processes of development of thyroid nodules are distinguished by sequential staging, determined by the degree of their echogenicity during ultrasound examination:

• isoechoic homogeneous node. The density of the internal contents of the node corresponds to the surrounding tissues of the thyroid gland. At the stage of inechogenicity, an increase in blood circulation and an expansion of the network of vessels surrounding the node are noted.
• isoechoic heterogeneous node:

1. with minor tissue changes
2. with pronounced tissue changes
3. with hypoechoic inclusions (areas of cystic degeneration)

Isoechoic heterogeneous nodes form as the depletion and death of thyroid cells and follicles.

• hypo- or anechoic node. It is characterized by complete destruction of the tissue of the node, filling the cavity with fluid and destroyed cells, which leads to the formation of a thyroid cyst.
• the stage of resorption of the contents of the thyroid cyst;
• stage of scarring of the thyroid cyst.

The process of staged transformation of thyroid nodules is long; its speed depends on the size of the node, work immune system, the state of the compensatory and adaptive mechanisms of the thyroid gland and the body as a whole. To speed up the processes of scarring of the thyroid cyst, they sometimes resort to sclerotization.

Symptoms

At the initial stage of the development of the disease, there are no obvious signs of the manifestation of the disease, a nodular cyst of the thyroid gland is not observed. The main symptoms can be identified with a physical examination. A progressive condition can be suspected at the first visual enlargement of the neoplasm (node \u200b\u200bor cyst).

If you have suspicious symptoms, you should see a specialist. A routine examination by an endocrinologist can confirm or deny the symptoms of the manifestation of the disease. On palpation, dense elastic nodular neoplasms stand out, which are easily felt. The reason for contacting a specialist is a noticeable increase in the nodular seals of the thyroid gland. The size of the cyst can exceed 4 cm in diameter.

The main symptoms of a thyroid cyst in women and men can be identified by the following signs:

1. The enlarged thyroid gland is determined visually and palpated by palpation. Running states can be divided into several degrees of magnification.
2. Swallowing problems appear. The discomfort is felt when swallowing tablets and small pieces of food.
3. The formed cyst of the thyroid gland, gives a feeling of squeezing in the throat. This symptom increases as the formation becomes more dense.
4. When walking and vigorous movement, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing appear. The cyst begins to enlarge, narrows the lumen in the larynx, so full breathing becomes difficult.
5. Hoarseness and hoarseness appear in the voice. In some cases, a complete loss of voice is possible.
6. Pain syndrome can begin spontaneously, and also disappear suddenly.

All of the above symptoms and signs are the reason for a visit to the doctor. Only a specialized specialist can establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe a comprehensive treatment.

Thyroid cyst in children

The formation of a thyroid cyst in children is most often observed during puberty and intensive growth. The organ does not have time to adapt to the changes taking place against the hormonal background, as a result of which the formation of cysts and seals in its tissues occurs.

In addition, the following factors may be the cause of the formation of thyroid cysts in a child:

• Frequent colds;
• Weak immunity;
• Long-term treatment with any medications;
• Neck injuries;
• Transferred operations;
• Lack of iodine in the body;
• Bad ecology;
• Diseases of the mother, transferred during pregnancy;
• Stress and increased physical activity.

When a thyroid cyst is detected, the child is registered with an endocrinologist and carefully observed, periodically comprehensively examining. Young children and adolescents have a very high risk of degeneration of a benign process into a malignant tumor.

Child's parents should be alerted following symptomsarising in a child:

• Refusal to eat, complaints of difficulty swallowing;
• Increased sweating;
• Lethargy, irritability, moodiness;
• An increase in body temperature to high performance (over 39 degrees);
• Cough and hoarseness of the voice;
• Increased cervical lymph nodes.

If such symptoms appear, the child should be shown to the doctor as soon as possible.

Cyst in pregnant women

Since during pregnancy all organs and systems of a woman work in an enhanced mode, the load on the thyroid gland increases accordingly.

A thyroid cyst in women in an interesting position develops as a result of a powerful hormonal surge, or an old neoplasm progresses under the influence of the same hormonal change.

Palpation of the front of the woman's neck, the doctor reveals tangible seals and nodes of the thyroid gland. As a rule, cysts formed during pregnancy, after childbirth and the end of the lactation period, resolve on their own and do not require special treatment, but only observation by an endocrinologist.

Is a thyroid cyst dangerous?

A disease such as a thyroid cyst has a specific pathogenesis. Should I run a case? the following risks will arise:

• the process of hemorrhage;
• inflammation;
• degeneration into a malignant disease.

When hemorrhage begins to flow inside the cyst, tolerable pain appears. The size of the "bump" increases. Treatment is not necessary when there is no secondary infection. Such education will resolve itself.

Rarely there is such a dangerous phenomenon as the degeneration of the cyst of the gland. This is more common in so-called cyst nodes. For the cyst to start inflamed? accompanying factors are required:

• Intoxication of an organ or the whole organism.
• Strong pain.
• Growth in the size of the lymph nodes in the neck.
• High enough dangerous temperature (40-41 degrees).

This symptomatology indicates the onset of the stage of pathogenesis. According to statistics, 90% of diagnosed patients with a thyroid cyst are not at risk of developing cancer. Risks are signaled by the root causes of cysts:

• hyperplasia of the gland,
• an attack of thyroiditis,
• dystrophic changes in follicles,
• processes of an infectious nature.

After some research, an endocrinologist can respond to worries about whether a thyroid cyst is dangerous. This conclusion is reached after receiving data on the propensity to neoplasms of suppuration, inflammation. Certain manifestations indicate complications and pathogenesis:

• Hyperthermia, significant increase in temperature.
• Growth of cervical lymph nodes.
• Intoxication of the body.
• Painful manifestations in a localized area of \u200b\u200bcyst formation.

Can't the size of the cyst be allowed to grow large? then knots are formed. They carry a great risk of malignancy.

Diagnostics

A thyroid cyst is the field of activity of an endocrinologist. Determination of pathology and accurate diagnosis are always based on the results of a diagnostic study. The initial examination includes the collection of complaints from the patient, palpation of the thyroid gland. Lymph nodes are also examined to determine their size and tenderness.

However, research is used to obtain accurate information:

1. To determine the type, volume and structure, an ultrasound scan is prescribed.
2. A fine-needle biopsy is used to find out which cells form a cyst.
3. To find out the possible malignancy of the tumor, pneumography is used.
4. When a patient complains of throat problems, they also resort to laryngoscopy for examining the larynx and bronchoscopy for the trachea.
5. Tests for hormone levels in the blood, magnetic resonance imaging and scintigraphy are carried out separately.

For further work with cysts of the thyroid glands, a puncture is taken.

How is a thyroid cyst treated?

An effective treatment for a benign thyroid cyst is emptying by puncture followed by the introduction of sclerosing substances. This is a non-invasive procedure that can be repeated if a relapse develops.

Provided that the detected cyst is not a malignant formation, conservative therapy... How to treat? Physician prescriptions include the use of:

• drugs to regulate thyroid hormones,
• as well as anti-inflammatory, metabolic
• and improve blood circulation to reduce edema and reduce cyst size.

Antibiotic therapy is carried out when an infection is attached and requires accurate identification of the type of pathogen and determination of its sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs. Drug therapy is more effective in the early stages of the disease and can significantly reduce the frequency of surgical interventions. Only the attending physician determines how to treat a thyroid cyst in each individual patient.

When is surgical treatment indicated?

• With the progressive growth of the cyst or with the addition of pronounced symptoms in the form of respiratory disturbances and difficulty in swallowing, the method of choice is surgical treatment of the thyroid cyst.
• With an increased risk of the cyst turning into a malignant tumor or in the presence of confirmed laboratory data, the operation is performed immediately, regardless of the stage of the disease and the size of the cyst. In this case, conservative therapy is not carried out, since the likelihood of a deterioration in the patient's condition and the development of severe cancer increases.

Should the cyst be removed?

And although in most cases thyroid cysts are benign, their "behavior" is unpredictable:

• In some cases, they do not give negative dynamics for years.
• In others, they grow rapidly
• Thirdly, they pass by themselves
• Usually, the reason for going to the doctor is the growth of a cyst to a size (over 3 cm), visible to the eye, and causing deformation of the neck, hoarseness or loss of voice, a lump in the throat, trouble breathing and swallowing function, pain in the neck.

If a cyst with a diameter of less than 1 cm is only observed, with its increase, a puncture is performed, followed by cytological examination... If, after emptying the cyst, the contents again accumulate in it, the question of its removal is decided. In no case should you put any warming compresses or lotions on the cysts, as this can provoke inflammation.

Surgical treatment for malignant course usually includes bilateral resection of the thyroid gland (removal of most of both its lobes). After this operation, careful monitoring of the level of thyroid hormones is mandatory and, if necessary, its correction is prescribed with the help of medicinal hormonal drugs (thyroid hormones).

A common complication of such an operation is dysfunction of the vocal cords with partial loss of voice. If the patient is diagnosed with a cyst of the left lobe of the thyroid gland, then the operation is performed only on the affected side (the same is the case with the lesion of the right lobe). Removal of the thyroid cyst is performed through a small incision in the neck in the area of \u200b\u200bthe thyroid gland.

The removed education is subjected to histological examination to confirm a benign process. This allows further treatment to be carefully planned.

The postoperative period is easy. The return to normal life takes place within 1-2 days, and no restriction of physical activity is required.

The peculiarities of treatment in pregnant women include the exclusion of radiological research methods. Biopsy and surgical treatment during pregnancy are not contraindicated. When planning treatment, the relative risks and benefits must be considered. If there are clear indications, the operation is recommended to be performed in the second trimester of pregnancy. In the absence of severe symptoms of compression of neighboring organs or dysfunction of the thyroid gland, treatment is carried out in the postpartum period.

Folk remedies

The effectiveness of treating the disease with alternative methods is obvious. In conjunction with the prescribed drug therapy, home treatment thyroid cyst gives good results. However, do not self-medicate. Consultation with an endocrinologist regarding the combination of these two treatments is necessary.

1. Green walnut shell. Pour boiling water over three tablespoons of the shell and let it brew for one hour. Such a remedy will be a good compress before bed;
2. Walnut. Partitions walnut (50 g) pour 200 ml of alcohol. Insist a week in a dark place. After that, strain and take one teaspoon daily three times a day. The recommended course of treatment is at least six months. it folk remedy, can be used as a prophylaxis for thyroid diseases;
3. Beets and honey. Grate the beets on a fine grater and mix with natural honey. Take 50 g of each ingredient. After that, put the whole mass on a cabbage leaf and attach to the throat. Such a medical compress can be left overnight. The course of treatment is unlimited;
4. Bloodroot. Pour the crushed root of the plant (100 g) with one liter of vodka. Insist in a thermos for a month. Strain the resulting tincture and take 50 drops half an hour before eating. The course of treatment is designed for one month;
5. Walnut. Pour 500 ml of boiling water over a few walnut leaves. Insist for 30 minutes. Strain the resulting product and take ½ cup three times a day before meals. The course of treatment is two weeks;
6. Celandine. Pour chopped celandine with half a liter of vodka. Insist in a cool dark place for 10 days. After that, strain the tincture and take 50 ml daily before meals once a day. The course of treatment is 21 days.

Is of great importance balanced diet, seafood and products containing iodine should become the main one. All plant-based foods will help the body's immune defenses. Natural juices should also be present on the dining table.

Prevention and prognosis

Forecast for nodal formations the thyroid gland is determined by their histological form. With a benign structure of thyroid nodules and cysts, a complete cure is likely. Thyroid cysts may recur again. Thyroid tumors of moderate malignancy in the absence of metastatic screenings are cured in 70-80% of patients. The worst prognosis for malignant neoplasms that invade adjacent organs and give distant metastases.

Prevention of the formation of nodules and cysts of the thyroid gland implies daily intake of iodine within the age range of the physiological norm, a sufficient amount of vitamins, prevention of insolation, radiation, and physiotherapy on the neck. After the cure of the thyroid cyst, it is necessary to carry out control ultrasounds once a year. Patients with small nodes and cysts of the thyroid gland should be registered and followed up by an endocrinologist.

A thyroid cyst is a disease characterized by the appearance in the organ tissue of benign tumor-like formations filled with homogeneous colloidal contents (colloid thyroid cyst) and dense formations (complex or complicated cysts).

These conditions are also called thyroid nodules and cysts. Their difference is that the cyst has a cavity filled with fluid, while the nodes themselves consist of altered glandular cells. The sizes of cysts are often small (less than 1 cm), but they can grow significantly, and this can happen rapidly.

With a significant growth of the cyst and the definition of dense elements in it, it is necessary to conduct a special examination for the presence of a malignant tumor. In this case, the doctor will order a biopsy of the cyst components. In the structure of the incidence of the population, the frequency of cyst development is 1-5% of the total number of patients with dysfunction of the gland.

Causes of cysts

Simple cysts can result from a variety of factors, from viral infection to a simple blockage of the duct of the gland due to individual anatomical features organ structure. With the development of an infectious disease, accompanied by inflammation of the gland, a cyst can develop as a secondary symptom.

Complex cysts contain fluid and dense particles and have similar symptoms to colloidal formations. Risk factors and causes of cysts on the thyroid gland include:

• Oncological diseases, radiation and chemotherapy
• A cyst can form as a result of hemorrhage
• Malnutrition (dystrophy) of the gland
• As a result of the enlargement of her follicles
• With insufficient intake of iodine from food
• Autoimmune diseases accompanied by inflammatory changes in the gland (Hashimoto's goiter)
• Radiation exposure in childhood
• Female
• Age over 40
• Having a thyroid cyst in a parent or sibling.

• Cystic formations in the thyroid gland in women are found 4 times more often than in men.
• Residents of regions with an insufficient amount of iodine in food and water are more susceptible to this disease.
• In patients who have undergone exposure to ionizing radiation within 1 calendar year, a thyroid cyst develops in 2% of cases.

Symptoms of a thyroid cyst

Patients with small cysts (up to 3 mm) do not notice any manifestations of the disease and feel absolutely healthy people... Most of them learn about the disease only after their doctor has identified them during examination. As the size increases, the symptoms of a thyroid cyst become more pronounced. The first manifestation of a progressive cyst is a "lump" in the throat. Also, for the first time, a cyst can be suspected by the appearance of an enlarged formation on the neck, which is easily felt through the skin. Other common symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing (due to compression of the trachea by a cyst);
• Pain in the area of \u200b\u200bthe gland, can spread to lower jaw and ear;
• Pain when swallowing or inability to swallow food;
• Change in the timbre of the voice (rarely observed, due to compression of specific nerve fibers by an enlarged cyst).

There are several stages in the development of the disease:

• The stage of cyst formation. It is asymptomatic. The disease at this stage is discovered by chance during a routine examination;
• Growth stage. With the accumulation of a large volume of fluid in the cavity of the cyst, its size gradually increases, which leads to the development of characteristic symptoms. The doctor may suspect the presence of the disease already upon visual examination. The diagnosis is easily confirmed by laboratory tests;
• Resorption stage. With a satisfactory state of the immune system, the disease goes away on its own, and the cyst undergoes scarring, without causing severe disorders of the body.

In a malignant course of the disease, cysts can degenerate into a cancerous tumor. Such formations have a dense consistency and are characterized by rapid uncontrolled growth. It was also noticed that the malignant course of the disease is often accompanied by a change in voice due to rapid growth cysts.

A common concomitant symptom of the disease is thyroid dysfunction, characterized by an increase or decrease in the production of hormones. Due to dysfunction of the gland in the progressive course of the disease, patients note chronic fatigue, weight loss, deterioration of immunity. With the development of these symptoms, it is necessary to undergo additional research for the presence of a malignant oncological process.

With a complicated course of a cyst in the area of \u200b\u200baltered tissue, edema and the development of bacterial flora appear, which leads to inflammatory changes and accumulation of pus. Symptoms of the associated infection are increasing acute pain in the neck, edema, fever. A characteristic symptom is an increase in the cervical lymph nodes.

Diagnostics

The main diagnostic method is ultrasound imaging. With the help of ultrasound, the size, structure of the cyst and surrounding healthy tissues are determined. This method allows not only to diagnose a cyst with high accuracy, but also to carry out differential diagnostics with adenoma, nodular goiter and other diseases.

A cyst biopsy is done to determine the type of cyst and exclude a malignant process. When taking a biopsy, a thin needle is used, which is passed into the cyst under ultrasound guidance. The procedure is not particularly difficult and is carried out under local anesthesia. For a more accurate diagnosis, the material is taken from several sections of the cyst or from various cysts. By the nature of the contents of the cyst obtained with a biopsy, its type is judged:

• A yellow, purple, or dark brown color of fluid in the cyst indicates an uncomplicated course;
• The presence of pus in the cyst indicates the addition of inflammation.

The samples are examined microscopically to look for cancer cells. A thyroid cyst is characterized by the presence of a tumor of unchanged glandular cells. These results are obtained in 60% of cases.

The malignant course is confirmed by biopsy in 5% of cases. The borderline result is observed in 20% of cases. At the same time, cancer cells are found in most patients upon repeated examination. With an insufficient amount of material taken, the study of the biopsy is uninformative and requires re-examination.

Puncture of the cyst can be accompanied by its complete emptying, followed by the introduction of sclerosing substances into the cavity. This method can significantly reduce the number of surgical interventions and achieve an early recovery. Puncture is performed under ultrasound control, which ensures a low percentage of failed attempts and injury to healthy tissues. When analyzing the contents of the cyst, special attention is paid to the presence of atypical cells indicating the development of a malignant oncological process.

As additional methods are used:

• Computed tomography to determine the structure of large cysts;
• Angiography to prevent vascular complications;
• Laryngoscopy with the appearance of hoarseness and other changes in the voice;
• Bronchoscopy to assess the condition of the trachea when the cyst grows to a large size;
• Controlling thyroid hormone levels.

How is a thyroid cyst treated?

An effective treatment for a benign thyroid cyst is emptying by puncture followed by the introduction of sclerosing substances. This is a non-invasive procedure that can be repeated if a relapse develops.

Provided that the detected cyst is not a malignant formation, conservative therapy is performed. Appointments include the use of:

• drugs to regulate thyroid hormones,
• as well as anti-inflammatory, metabolic
• and improve blood circulation to reduce edema and reduce cyst size.

Antibiotic therapy is carried out when an infection is attached and requires accurate identification of the type of pathogen and determination of its sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs. Drug therapy is more effective in the early stages of the disease and can significantly reduce the frequency of surgical interventions. Only the attending physician determines how to treat a thyroid cyst in each individual patient.

When is surgical treatment indicated?

• With the progressive growth of the cyst or with the addition of pronounced symptoms in the form of respiratory disturbances and difficulty in swallowing, the method of choice is surgical treatment of the thyroid cyst.
• With an increased risk of the cyst turning into a malignant tumor or in the presence of confirmed laboratory data, the operation is performed immediately, regardless of the stage of the disease and the size of the cyst. In this case, conservative therapy is not carried out, since the likelihood of a deterioration in the patient's condition and the development of severe cancer increases.

Should the cyst be removed?

And although in most cases thyroid cysts are benign, their "behavior" is unpredictable:

• In some cases, they do not give negative dynamics for years.
• In others, they grow rapidly
• Thirdly, they pass by themselves
• Usually, the reason for going to the doctor is the growth of a cyst to a size (over 3 cm), visible to the eye, and causing deformation of the neck, hoarseness or loss of voice, a lump in the throat, trouble breathing and swallowing function, pain in the neck.

If a cyst with a diameter of less than 1 cm is only observed, with its increase, a puncture is performed, followed by a cytological examination. If, after emptying the cyst, the contents again accumulate in it, the question of its removal is decided. In no case should you put any warming compresses or lotions on the cysts, as this can provoke inflammation.

Surgical treatment for malignant course usually includes bilateral resection of the thyroid gland (removal of most of both its lobes). After this operation, careful monitoring of the level of thyroid hormones is mandatory and, if necessary, its correction is prescribed with the help of medicinal hormonal drugs (thyroid hormones).

A common complication of such an operation is dysfunction of the vocal cords with partial loss of voice. If the patient is diagnosed with a cyst of the left lobe of the thyroid gland, then the operation is performed only on the affected side (the same is the case with the lesion of the right lobe). Removal of the thyroid cyst is performed through a small incision in the neck in the area of \u200b\u200bthe thyroid gland.

The removed education is subjected to histological examination to confirm a benign process. This allows further treatment to be carefully planned.

The postoperative period is easy. The return to normal life takes place within 1-2 days, and no restriction of physical activity is required.

The peculiarities of treatment in pregnant women include the exclusion of radiological research methods. Biopsy and surgical treatment during pregnancy are not contraindicated. When planning treatment, the relative risks and benefits must be considered. If there are clear indications, the operation is recommended to be performed in the second trimester of pregnancy. In the absence of severe symptoms of compression of neighboring organs or dysfunction of the thyroid gland, treatment is carried out in the postpartum period.

Forecast

Cysts with a benign course have a positive prognosis and with correct treatment pass without consequences for the patient. In many cases, patients do not even need to undergo treatment. It is enough to carry out control analyzes in dynamics.

A more severe course and prognosis for the patient's life has a malignant course, in which the cyst degenerates into a cancerous tumor. The risk of malignancy also increases if a thyroid cyst is diagnosed in a child (14-40% of cases, compared to 5% in adults).

The percentage of the effectiveness of treatment in patients with malignant course of the disease is about 80% in the early stages and significantly decreases with the development of metastases and tumor growth in nearby organs.