What is a thyroid cyst in women? Cysts on the thyroid gland: why they are dangerous and how to treat them. Complications of thyroid cysts

A thyroid cyst can be considered a type of colloid or non-toxic goiter. It looks like a bubble filled with jelly-like or dense contents. Pathology more often develops in women, especially in old age, although there are also gender-independent factors that provoke changes in the tissues of the gland.

Small cysts do not have a negative effect on the human body; they only require observation and regular ultrasounds. Large tumors are subjected to sclerotherapy. In addition, they are prone to accelerated growth rates, relapses and the risk of compression of adjacent tissues, which becomes a reason for surgical intervention.

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This benign neoplasm It is a cavity, the walls of which are formed by dense connective tissue. Exactly the presence of a dedicated capsule, sometimes capable of being separated from the gland tissue, and distinguishes a cyst from a goiter.

Inside, the cystic vesicle is filled with a jelly-like colloidal substance consisting of thyroglobulin, iodine and amino acids or a dense accumulation of follicular cells. In the second case, the neoplasm can be classified as a cystic adenoma.

Clinical medicine classifies as a cyst a formation larger than 15 mm (or 10, there is no single standard); a smaller cavity is more often called an enlarged follicle (macrofollicle) in the gland tissue or a microcyst.

Reference! Uninodular and multinodular forms of cysts have ICD 10 codes E04.1 and E04.2, respectively.

Classification and types

Thyroid cysts can be differentiated by location as follows:

cyst in the right lobe– detected more often due to the anatomical structure of the organ (the right lobe is better developed than the left), can reach large sizes (4-6 cm);
left lobe cyst– are considered a milder form of pathology, rarely have a significant volume, and practically do not cause discomfort. Cavities up to 1 cm in size can long time observed without treatment and resolve spontaneously;
thyroid isthmus cyst– the neoplasm is diagnosed less frequently and is easier to detect visually or by palpation. Represents the greatest risk in terms of malignancy (malignant transformation).

Cystic changes can affect either one or both lobes of the thyroid gland.

One of the options for classifying cysts by type of content is as follows:

– filled with a jelly-like mixture of amino acids, thyroglobulin and iodine. Malignant degeneration of such neoplasms occurs in less than 10% of cases;
– represented by a pathological excess of follicular cells and/or connective tissue. Prone to malignancy in 40% of cases. May also be called cystic adenomas;
cystadenoma– a specific form of cystic degeneration of the thyroid gland, which is an adenomatous node with a complication in the form of a cyst.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the phenomenon of polycystic thyroid gland - it is distinguished by the presence of many small cysts in the tissues of the organ.

Polycystic disease is not so dangerous in itself; a greater threat is caused by iodine deficiency in the body and accompanying metabolic disorders.

Reasons for development

Thyroid tissue includes many vesicles - follicles filled with a colloid of protein compounds and prohormones. If the body’s production of this colloid increases or the process of its transition into the bloodstream is disrupted, the jelly-like solution begins to accumulate in the follicles, increasing their size. A violation can cause hemorrhage into the follicle, inflammation, hypertrophy or degeneration of gland tissue. Among the primary causes of cysts in the thyroid gland:

The listed phenomena can develop against the background:

prolonged lack of iodine in the body - causes an increase in colloid production and “swelling” of the follicles;
age-related changes - upon reaching 40 years of age, necrosis of thyroid cells may occur, in place of which a cystic cavity is formed;
gender characteristics - a greater risk of cystic changes in the gland in women is associated with hormonal surges - puberty, pregnancy or its termination, menopause;
negative environmental factors– excess radiation sources in the environment, consumption of food grown or prepared with mutagenic additives;
congenital anatomical features or genetic predisposition to cystic pathologies;
intoxications of various kinds - abuse of nicotine, ethyl alcohol or work in harmful conditions;
injuries of the thyroid gland, including after surgery.

Can also have a negative impact on the work of the body:

psycho-emotional overload – stress depletes the body and leads to disruption of endocrine functions;
decreased immunity due to frequently transmitted infections;
prolonged hypothermia or overheating;
recovery period after shock states– injuries or surgical interventions.

Moreover, some phenomena may provoke others or vice versa. For example, long-term iodine deficiency negatively affects the immune system, and as a result, a person is more often attacked by infections.

Clinical picture

Small thyroid cysts (less than 1 cm) rarely manifest themselves– a person does not feel them, visual inspection and palpation also do not reveal a cavity.

When the cyst reaches 1-3 cm in diameter, it becomes possible:

its detection by palpation or visually;
identifying patient complaints of transient or persistent discomfort in the throat.

Further growth of the cyst may cause the patient to develop:

Attention! As a rule, such signs are characteristic of large thyroid cysts, however, in some cases, a cavity of no more than 1.5 cm can cause discomfort.

If inflammation of the cavity occurs with the formation of pus, acute pain may appear when moving the head and be accompanied by a high temperature - up to 40 degrees and signs of poisoning of the body.

Symptoms of a thyroid cyst may also include changes in the functioning of the gland - an increase or decrease in hormone production, which can be expressed by:

disruptions in heart function;
impaired renal function (frequent diuresis) or digestive tract (constipation/diarrhea, lack/excess of appetite);
obesity or sudden loss of body weight;
swelling;
frequent mood swings from aggression to tearfulness;
dry hair, skin, brittle nail plates;
weakening of sexual function;
lethargy, decreased mental performance.

Complicated thyrotoxicosis is expressed in the form of exhaustion, cardiac and adrenal insufficiency, degeneration of organ parenchyma, severe hypothyroidism - myxedematous coma.

Similar hormonal disorders can occur with parathyroid cysts that have hormonal activity.

Why is a cyst dangerous?

As already noted, the neoplasm affects the hormonal status of a person, in addition to this:

the tumor can become infected and inflamed with the formation of edema and the production of purulent exudate;
the enlarged cavity compresses neighboring organs and blood vessels;
cysts, adenomas and cystadenomas may have a tendency to grow rapidly and undergo malignant transformation.

Any thyroid cyst goes through three stages of development:

asymptomatic- the person does not notice the development of the disease;
growth stage– liquid actively accumulates in the cavity, causing noticeable discomfort;
resorption stage– with favorable external conditions or the abolition of the provoking factor, the cavity resolves and scars without any consequences.

However, the scenario may be different - the cavity becomes denser and becomes more complicated.

Reference! In some cases, a cyst can act as an aesthetic defect requiring surgical intervention.

Diagnostic methods

If a cyst is not discovered during a routine examination, The diagnostic algorithm looks like this::

Additional instrumental methods include:

scintigraphy– to detect malignant changes in tissues by assessing their ability to absorb radioactive isotopes iodine;
CT scan– serves as a clarifying study when malignant cells are detected during biopsy;
angiography– to detect compression or cancerous changes in nearby blood vessels;
pneumography– allows you to evaluate external breathing and the level of respiratory dysfunction;
bronchoscopy and laryngoscopy– to examine the larynx, trachea and bronchi against the background of an enlarged cystic cavity.

X-rays with contrast of the esophagus and trachea can also be performed if there is a possibility of a cyst growing in the cavity of these organs.

How to treat a cyst?

Small colloid cysts on the thyroid gland up to 1-1.5 cm in size can resolve on their own or under the influence of conservative therapy. Volumetric, multiple, recurrent or malignant formations require surgical intervention. This is especially true for follicular cystic adenomas, which are difficult to differentiate from follicular cancer.

Conservative treatment

This The technique involves taking the following groups of medications:

hormonal drugs;
iodine-containing vitamins and nutritional supplements;
anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents - relevant in the presence of an inflammatory process in tissues in acute or chronic form.

During such therapy, mandatory measures become:

monthly ultrasound of the gland;
blood tests to determine hormone levels and detect the presence of antibodies to organ cells. The latter indicate the development of autoimmune thyroiditis.

Part conservative treatment is an iodine-containing diet, including dairy and seafood - cod, crustaceans, salmon, seaweed.

Operational methods of struggle

Puncture of the cyst is considered a minimally invasive intervention. It can be used even on relatively large cysts that are uncomplicated by inflammation and do not have “malignant” contents.

The technique consists of pumping out the contents of the cystic cavity using an aspiration needle and filling it with a sclerosing substance, most often ethanol. This is an outpatient procedure that produces excellent results. If the cyst recurs after puncture, repeated manipulation is possible.

More serious intervention is required for tumors that are characterized by:

multiple relapses after sclerotherapy, with the formation of multilocular cysts with thick walls;
the presence of adenomatous areas;
signs of malignancy;
impaired breathing or swallowing function;
rapid growth or significant volume;
purulent inflammation;
creation of a cosmetic defect.

Among radical methods there are:

Attention! The last three operations can be performed either by abdominal or by a more gentle endoscopic method through an incision not exceeding 3 cm.

Treatment with folk remedies can only be carried out after consultation with a doctor., in combination with “official” therapy. Among the popular recipes:

infusions of honey, green walnut skins, oak bark or flaxseed oil - these products will support the immune system and improve the general condition of the body;
restorative teas from St. John's wort, celandine, nettle;
applying compresses of alcoholized herbal tinctures to the thyroid area;
salt, bread (rye) or honey compresses applied to the cyst.

Prognosis and prevention

Benign cysts are completely cured in 90%. Moderately malignant tumors in the absence of metastases are treatable in 70-80% of cases.

The prognosis is not so favorable for malignant neoplasms with metastasis to neighboring and distant areas.

Effective preventative measures will be:

routine examinations by an endocrinologist;
compliance with the rules of protecting the body from excess solar radiation;
avoiding neck injuries, as well as overheating or hypothermia of the gland area;
security a complete diet, including iodine-containing products or food additives;
maintaining an adequate work and rest regime, minimizing physical and emotional stress;
giving up bad habits and, if possible, other factors of intoxication;

These rules will help reduce the risk of developing thyroid cysts in both men and women.

Important! Women also need timely diagnosis hormonal imbalance, uterine fibroids and endometrial inflammation.

Timely detection of thyroid cysts is important not only to prevent their growth and complications. These neoplasms are a marker of systemic disorders in the body - from iodine deficiency to hormonal imbalances and general intoxications.

To eliminate the second, scheduled and, if necessary, in-depth examinations will be needed. And dealing with iodine deficiency is not difficult - just include seafood or vitamin complexes containing iodine in the menu.

A thyroid cyst is a nodular formation different sizes, which has liquid inside and is enclosed in a capsule. These formations do not reveal themselves for a long time; as they grow, they begin to cause compression and uncomfortable symptoms in the area of their localization.

In these cases, they become visible to the naked eye. There is no strict line between nodules, cysts and adenomas, so some endocrinologists classify them as a single group. But they differ in their structure.

If the thyroid cyst is less than 1.5 cm, it is considered an enlarged follicle. And it is called a cyst when it is large in size.

Adenoma is a benign formation that develops from the thyroid epithelium; node - an encapsulated growth of a certain zone of the gland. According to statistics, every 10th person in the world has thyroid disorders, and thyroid cysts are detected in 3-5% of thyroid diseases.

Predominant in females, the frequency is 4-8 times higher than male pathology. It should be noted that a thyroid cyst rarely degenerates (90% of it is harmless), but this does not mean that it can be left to chance.

In other words, what you need to be afraid of is not the cyst itself, but the root cause of its appearance. These include thyroiditis, gland hyperplasia, microhemorrhages, dystrophic changes in follicles, infections, etc. When tumors grow, they cause the so-called. “compression syndrome” of surrounding tissues: dysphagia, a feeling of lack of air, hoarseness of the voice, burning in the throat, local pain. In addition, cysts of the thyroid lobes have a habit of festering and becoming inflamed at inopportune moments.

Reasons for the development of nodes and cysts

Cysts and nodes in the thyroid gland: the causes are generally similar. The most common reasons:

lack of iodine and selenium;
genetic predisposition;
disturbed ecological situation;
power supply errors;
work in hazardous industries related to the production of paints and varnishes, various types of iron solvents, in the production of phenols, gasoline, lead, mercury.

Iron reacts very much to any radiation and radiation. Also, the appearance of a cyst is observed during various inflammatory processes in the gland, intoxication, hormonal imbalances, trauma to the gland, and congenital anomalies. The most common cause - hyperplasia, dystrophy and hemorrhage - occurs due to impacts and injuries.

Anatomy of the gland

It consists of follicles (acini or vesicles), which have their own capsules and are, as it were, autonomous - these are pseudolobules. All of them are surrounded by capillaries. Inside, the follicles are lined with a special kind of epithelium (thyrocytes) and contain colloid. This is a viscous liquid that contains the protein thyroglobulin - the prototype of hormones.

If for some reason the follicular outflow is disrupted, it begins to accumulate its colloid and increase in size - this is a cyst. The thyroid cyst itself does not disrupt the functioning of the thyroid gland; its functioning is disrupted by other thyroid diseases. The behavior of cysts is unpredictable: they often sit for years without growing, sometimes they disappear on their own, while others grow. Cystic formations of the thyroid gland can be single or multiple, unilateral and bilateral (in both lobes).

Cysts are also divided into simple and complex; simple cysts contain only colloid or serous fluid. Complex cysts may contain any dense inclusions or blood.

Simple ones occur rarely, the percentage of their degeneration is only 5%. Such a cyst does not require any prescription and often resolves spontaneously. It can be caused by infections and simple obstruction of the excretory duct.

Types of thyroid cysts

Colloid cyst– morphology similar to a colloidal node. Declares its existence when its size is greater than 1 cm.

Then signs of compression of organs appear. In addition to these, there are severe flashes of fever, outbreaks of irritability, mood swings, and increased hormones.

Follicular thyroid cyst– it would be more correct to call it follicular adenoma. It is dense and formed from large volume follicular cells. They show themselves very late. Its diameter does not exceed 3 cm and it can be single. There is no cavity there, as usual with a cyst.

It looks like a lump on the neck, painless on palpation. In addition, such an adenoma, as it grows, causes hoarseness of the voice, difficulty breathing, coughing attacks, surges in blood pressure and low-grade fever.

There may be redness in the cyst area, the heartbeat increases, and the person loses weight. The cause of this adenoma can be excess iodine and radiation. The most effective treatment for such a cyst is radical.

Multiple cysts on the thyroid gland(formation in both lobes) – in general, does not apply to the diagnosis. This is the result of an ultrasound study.

The cause of the appearance of such a cyst is iodine deficiency. The cyst becomes a harbinger of diffuse goiter, which can be considered one of the complications. Treatment consists of neutralizing etiological factors.

Malignant gland cysts- they are called cancer. Their frequency is rare and so is their growth. Diagnosed by FNA.
Cystadenoma– with it the nodes are deformed. This process can occur when there is poor circulation or cell necrosis. Inside such a cyst, in addition to serous contents, there may be blood.

In case of congenital diseases of the fetus, embryonic tumors of the fetal neck (teratomas), provoked by worms, the formation of cysts is also possible in the parathyroid glands - these cysts are dangerous because, due to their close proximity to the thyroid gland, they can affect it.

These types of cysts are the most common classification of them.

Cysts are also divided by location: in the right lobe, cyst of the left lobe of the thyroid gland, isthmus, pregnant women; in children, small cysts. Unilateral lesions lead to the fact that the remaining share takes on all the functional work. The cysts are not fused to the skin and they move with the skin by palpation during swallowing.

Right-sided cyst

The gland resembles a butterfly in shape, but upon careful examination there is no complete symmetry between its lobes - its right lobe is somewhat larger. This is due to the fact that during embryogenesis the initial formation of the right lobe is noted.

Therefore, cysts of the right lobe of the thyroid gland are more common. Cysts on the right are usually larger and can grow up to 4-6 cm. Symptoms for it do not differ from the general ones; neck enlargement is noted on the right.

Cysts in the left lobe are simpler in content and smaller in size. The least common cyst is the isthmus of the thyroid gland.

Due to its location, it is best palpated at the beginning of its appearance, because the isthmus itself is always easily palpable normally. Treatment was successful using a conservative method.

In general, it must be said that cysts on the thyroid gland in the right lobe: treatment does not depend on the lobes, it is determined by the nature of the cyst.

Cyst symptoms

Cyst in the thyroid gland: signs and symptoms of a developed cyst are:

dysphagia (feeling of a lump in the throat);
difficulty breathing;
the appearance of burning and sore throat;
cough and muffled voice;
infection of the cyst - fever and soreness of the cysts appear;
chilliness;
causeless cephalgia;
thickening of the neck and changes in its shape;
growth of regional lymph nodes.

Symptoms of a thyroid cyst are often periodic at first, but it is advisable to end the appearance of even a single case with a visit to an endocrinologist.

Complications of thyroid cysts

A cyst and the danger of the thyroid gland in women is that it can become inflamed and fester. In this case, all the symptoms of inflammation appear with hyperthermia, pain in the cyst, symptoms of intoxication, and lymphadenitis.

Why are thyroid cysts and nodules dangerous? In addition to inflammation, hemorrhages can occur in neoplasms.

The pain is initially tolerable as blood builds up. Its dimensions are increasing. If there is no secondary infection, this may all end there; over time, such a cyst may resolve.

Cyst and nodule on the thyroid gland: is it dangerous? Enlarged cysts, like nodes, can cause compartment syndrome, this is due to pressure on the trachea and esophagus. And finally, cysts and nodes can degenerate. Thyroid gland: nodules and cysts can become malignant, so you should not allow them to become large; then the prognosis becomes less favorable.

Diagnosis of thyroid nodules

In the diagnosis of cysts in the thyroid gland, there is a certain algorithm: after palpation examination, this is an ultrasound, FNA followed by histology, and hormone analysis.

Ultrasound - can determine the presence and size of the formation, its structure. TAB - a puncture procedure is performed to determine the malignancy or benignity of the process. This fine needle biopsy is always monitored on an ultrasound monitor.

By the way, an old cystic formation contains brown or bloody fluid and there are destroyed dead cells. The contents of congenital cysts are transparent. With abscesses, pus appears in the contents.

Fine-needle puncture of a thyroid cyst is used both for diagnosis and for treatment of the cyst, since it is possible to completely suck out (aspirate) its contents.

In half of the emptied cysts, there is no further accumulation of fluid in them and they collapse. To determine the functioning of the thyroid gland, it is necessary to donate blood for T3, T4 and TSH.

Additional methods: CT scan – for large formations and their degeneration, broncho- and laryngoscopy for compartment syndrome. X-rays can be performed in the form of angio- and pneumography to identify the condition of the parenchyma and blood vessels.

Treatment of thyroid cysts

Treatment of thyroid cysts includes conservative therapy and surgery; there are also non-invasive treatment methods.

How to treat a thyroid cyst largely depends on its content and size. If the value is up to 1 cm, it is monitored and observed over time by the attending physician. When it grows, it is punctured.

The main way to treat cysts is to empty them. If malignancy or suppuration is detected, the puncture will be repeated.

It is quite possible to cure a cyst today. After emptying, a sclerosing substance is injected into the cyst cavity, which causes its walls to stick together and disappear (scarring).

Alcohol, the drug Sclerosant, is used as sclerosant. Purulent processes require antibiotics.

For the thyroid gland, treatment in this case usually consists of taking iodine-containing medications and diet. When prescribing iodine, thyroid antibodies are first determined to exclude AIT thyroiditis. Surgeries to remove cysts can also be performed; they are carried out when the cyst grows too quickly (more than 3 cm) and fluid accumulates quickly.

Treatment without surgery - radioiodine therapy (RIT) is not widely practiced in Russia; it is used abroad. In Russia, operations are performed more often. Indications for surgery:

compression of the laryngeal cyst;
cosmetic defect;
imbalance of hormones;
infection of cysts;
malignancy.

If the size of the cysts is less than 1 cm, they are resected. Complete strumectomy is performed extremely rarely for cysts. Endocrinologists rarely resort to surgical intervention; sclerotherapy and puncture are more often used.

And if 10 years ago operations were carried out in 70% of cases without any particular reason, today they are avoided due to the fact that complications and consequences arise. In addition to sclerosants, a laser is applied to the cyst, causing its coagulation.

Alcohol sclerotherapy technique

Sclerotherapy with alcohol is based on the fact that alcohol burns local vessels, “welding” them, as a result of which the cyst stops receiving its nutrition and its walls stick together. The procedure is carried out by puncture and aspiration of the contents under ultrasound control. The volume of injected fluid is one-third to one-half of the aspirated fluid.

The alcohol is kept in the cavity for about 2 minutes, then removed with the same thin needle. There may be a slight burning sensation, but there is no pain during the procedure. Laser coagulation is a method of local hyperthermia. It is also performed under ultrasound guidance.

The laser creates hyperthermia in the area of its impact. Protein coagulation occurs and the cyst cells begin to collapse. The whole procedure lasts no more than 10 minutes.

The advantages of the laser are obvious:

outpatient implementation;
rapidity;
painlessness;
no bleeding or complications;
non-invasive technique;
does not cause scars.

In addition to non-invasive methods, doctors try to use minimally invasive removal methods using an endoscope and miniature surgical instruments.

Types of operations

The method of removal depends on the size of the cyst:

Node enucleation- the most gentle of the surgical methods, when the node is enucleated with a capsule. Damage to surrounding tissue is minimal.
Hemithyroidectomy or hemistrumectomy- removal of a lobe of the thyroid gland is carried out for large cysts. At the same time, the isthmus is also removed.
Subtotal resection of the thyroid gland- removal of 80-90% of all epithelial tissue of the thyroid gland. Part of the organ still remains and the entire load now falls on it.
Thyroidectomy or strumectomy– complete removal of the gland. Produced when the cyst degenerates.

A thyroid cyst is a hollow node with liquid contents.

According to statistics, thyroid cysts occur in approximately 3-5% of the world's population. But in last years There is 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 for thyroid cysts is not required. Adequate therapy must be prescribed immediately after detection. It often happens that a cyst disappears as suddenly as it appears, and sometimes its course is complicated by an inflammatory process or suppuration.

As a rule, a thyroid cyst is a consequence of another disease that disrupts the outflow of colloid fluid from the follicles of the gland. Therefore, many doctors tend to attribute it not to an independent disease, but to a complication of an existing disease.

Classification

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

Colloidal, consisting of a mass of colloidal substance. The growth of such a cyst leads to the appearance of a diffuse goiter; treatment is not required; monitoring of development is necessary.
Follicular (adenoma) – with newly formed follicular cells. There are no cavities in the colloidal contents, the structure is dense.
A solid cystic formation includes epithelial cells and is usually filled with blood. This type of cyst does not resolve on its own and more often than others transforms into cancer.
Cystadenoma occurs when blood circulation in the gland is impaired. Thyroid nodules transform into cysts. The tissue becomes necrotic and a cavity appears. Organ function decreases and hypothyroidism develops.
Multiple thyroid cysts. A condition caused by iodine deficiency, considered the initial pathological hyperplasia of the tissue structure.

There are the following types of cystic formations:

right-handed – large size, complex in morphology, widespread;
left lobe cyst – smaller and simpler in structure, less common;
an isthmus cyst has a greater tendency to malignancy (degeneration into cancer), causing compression of the larynx earlier than others;
small cysts;
a cyst of both lobes of the thyroid gland, which is rare.

Causes

The main reason for the appearance of formations is a violation of the outflow of secretions 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 responds to any disturbances in homeostasis. The prerequisite for the formation of cavities in the gland is excessive consumption of the main hormones produced by the thyroid gland - thyroxine (T3) and triiodothyronine (T4). This is facilitated by excessive psycho-emotional stress and excessive changes in body temperature. This leads to impaired 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 processes of an inflammatory nature occurring in the thyroid gland;
environmental pollution, life in unfavorable environmental conditions;
intoxication of exo- and endogenous nature;
traumatic neck injuries;
hereditary and congenital pathologies.

Frequent pregnancies, non-compliance with the daily routine, bad habits, and violations of the diet and diet can also contribute to the occurrence of colloidal cavities.

Cysts and nodules that occur in the thyroid gland should not be confused. Nodules have a less favorable prognosis - according to statistics, 20% of patients diagnosed with a nodule develop malignant neoplasms. Cystic cavities can become cancerous in 7% of cases. Cavities larger than 4 cm in diameter are also highly likely to form a cancerous tumor.

Stages of development of nodal formations

The processes of development of thyroid nodules are distinguished by sequential stages, 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, there is an increase in blood circulation and an expansion of the network of vessels surrounding the node.
isoechoic heterogeneous node:

with minor fabric changes
With pronounced changes fabrics
with hypoechoic inclusions (areas of cystic degeneration)

Isoechogenic heterogeneous nodes form as thyroid cells and follicles are depleted and die.

hypo- or anechoic node. It is characterized by complete destruction of the node tissue, filling the cavity with fluid and destroyed cells, which leads to the formation of a thyroid cyst.
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 lengthy; its speed depends on the size of the node, the functioning of the immune system, the state of the compensatory and adaptive mechanisms of the thyroid gland and the body as a whole. To speed up the scarring process, thyroid cysts are sometimes treated with sclerotization.

Symptoms

On initial stage development of the disease, obvious signs manifestations of the disease, nodular cyst of the thyroid gland is not observed. The main symptoms can be determined during a medical examination. A progressive condition can be suspected at the first visual enlargement of a neoplasm (nodule or cyst).

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

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

An enlarged thyroid gland is determined visually and palpated by palpation. Neglected conditions can be divided into several degrees of increase.
There are problems with swallowing. A discomfort is felt when swallowing tablets and small pieces of food.
The resulting thyroid cyst gives a feeling of squeezing in the throat. This symptom increases as the formation becomes more compact.
When walking and intense movement, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing appears. The cyst begins to grow, narrows the lumen in the larynx, so full breathing becomes difficult.
The voice becomes hoarse and hoarse. In some cases, complete loss of voice is possible.
The pain syndrome can begin spontaneously and also disappear unexpectedly.

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

Thyroid cyst in children

The formation of thyroid cysts in children is most often observed during puberty and intensive growth. The organ does not have time to adapt to the changes occurring in the hormonal background, as a result of which cysts and lumps form in its tissues.

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

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

If a thyroid cyst is detected, the child is registered with an endocrinologist and carefully observed, periodically undergoing a comprehensive examination. In young children and adolescents there is a very high risk of degeneration of a benign process into malignant tumor.

Parents of the child should be alert to the following symptoms that occur in the child:

Refusal to eat, complaints of difficulty swallowing;
Increased sweating;
Lethargy, irritability, moodiness;
Increase in body temperature to high levels (over 39 degrees);
Cough and hoarseness;
Enlarged cervical lymph nodes.

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

Cyst in pregnant women

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

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

When the doctor palpates the front of the woman’s neck, noticeable lumps and nodules of the thyroid gland are detected. As a rule, cysts formed during pregnancy, after childbirth and completion of the lactation period, resolve on their own and do not require special treatment, but only observation by an endocrinologist.

Are thyroid cysts dangerous?

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

hemorrhage process;
inflammation;
degeneration into a malignant disease.

When hemorrhage begins to flow inside the cyst, tolerable pain appears. The size of the “bump” increases. Medical intervention is not necessary when there is no secondary infection. This formation will resolve itself.

Rarely does such a dangerous phenomenon occur as the degeneration of a gland cyst. This is more typical of the so-called cyst nodes. So that the cyst starts to become inflamed? accompanying factors are required:

Intoxication of an organ or the whole body.
Severe pain.
Increase in the size of lymph nodes in the neck.
Quite high, dangerous temperature (40-41 degrees).

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

gland hyperplasia,
attack of thyroiditis,
dystrophic changes in follicles,
infectious processes.

An endocrinologist can answer concerns about whether a thyroid cyst is dangerous after some research. This conclusion is reached after obtaining data on the propensity for neoplasms of suppuration and inflammation. Certain manifestations indicate complications and pathogenesis:

Hyperthermia, a significant increase in temperature.
Height cervical lymph nodes.
Intoxication of the body.
Painful manifestations in the localized area of cyst formation.

Should the size of the cyst not be allowed to become large? then knots are formed. They carry a great risk of malignancy.

Diagnostics

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 collecting complaints from the patient and palpating the thyroid gland area. The lymph nodes are also examined to determine their size and tenderness.

However, to obtain accurate information, research is used:

To determine the type, volume and structure, ultrasound is prescribed.
To find out which cells form the cyst, a fine-needle biopsy is used.
To determine the possible malignancy of a tumor, pneumography is used.
When a patient complains of problems with the throat, they also resort to laryngoscopy to examine the larynx and bronchoscopy to examine the trachea.
Separate tests are carried out for the level of hormones in the blood, magnetic resonance imaging and scintigraphy.

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

How to treat a thyroid cyst?

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

Provided that the detected cyst is not a malignant formation, conservative therapy is carried out. How to treat? Doctor's orders include the use of:

drugs to regulate thyroid hormones,
as well as anti-inflammatory, metabolic
and improving blood circulation to reduce swelling and reduce the size of the cyst.

Antibacterial therapy is carried out when an infection occurs 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 progressive growth of the cyst or with the addition of severe symptoms in the form respiratory disorders and difficulty swallowing, the method of choice is surgical treatment of thyroid cysts.
If there is an increased risk of the cyst becoming a malignant tumor or if there are confirmed laboratory data, surgery 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 deterioration of the patient’s condition and the development of severe cancer increases.

Should I remove the cyst?

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 are growing rapidly
Thirdly, they go away on their own
Typically, the reason to see a doctor is the growth of a cyst to a size (over 3 cm) that is noticeable to the eye and causes deformation of the neck, hoarseness or loss of voice, a lump in the throat, difficulty breathing and swallowing function, and neck pain.

If the cyst is less than 1 cm in diameter, it is only observed; if it enlarges, a puncture is performed, followed by a cytological examination. If, after the cyst is emptied, contents accumulate again in it, the issue of its removal is decided. Under no circumstances should any warming compresses or lotions be applied to cysts, as this can cause inflammation.

Surgery in the case of a malignant course, it usually includes bilateral resection of the thyroid gland (removal of most of both of its lobes). After this operation, careful monitoring of the level of thyroid hormones is required and, if necessary, its correction is prescribed with the help of hormonal medications (thyroid hormones).

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

The removed formation is subjected to histological examination to confirm a benign process. This allows you to carefully plan further treatment.

The postoperative period is easy. Return to ordinary life occurs within 1-2 days, and does not require restriction of physical activity.

Features 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 pronounced 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 traditional methods is obvious. In combination with prescribed drug therapy, home treatment for thyroid cysts gives good results. However, you should not self-medicate. Consultation with an endocrinologist regarding the combination of these two treatment methods is necessary.

Green nut shell. Pour boiling water over three tablespoons of shells and let steep for one hour. This remedy will be a good compress before bed;
Walnut. Pour 200 ml of alcohol into walnut partitions (50 g). Leave for a week in a dark place. After this, strain and take one teaspoon daily three times a day. The recommended course of treatment is at least six months. This folk remedy can be used as a prophylaxis for thyroid diseases;
Beetroot 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 apply it to the throat. This therapeutic compress can be left overnight. The course of treatment is unlimited;
Bloodroot. Pour the crushed root of the plant (100 g) into one liter of vodka. Leave 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;
Walnut. Pour 500 ml of boiling water over several walnut leaves. Leave for 30 minutes. Strain the resulting product and take ½ glass three times a day before meals. The course of treatment is two weeks;
Celandine. Pour crushed celandine into half a liter of vodka. Leave in a dark, cool place for 10 days. After this, strain the tincture and take 50 ml daily before meals once a day. The course of treatment is 21 days.

A balanced diet is of great importance; seafood and iodine-containing foods should be the main ones. All plant-based foods will help the body's immune defense. Natural juices should also be present on the dinner table.

Prevention and prognosis

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

Preventing the formation of thyroid nodules and cysts involves daily iodine intake within age limits. physiological norm, sufficient amounts of vitamins, avoidance of insolation, radiation, and physiotherapy on the neck area. After treatment of a thyroid cyst, it is necessary to conduct control ultrasounds once a year. Patients with small nodules and cysts of the thyroid gland should be registered and 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 a person’s growth, as well as the strength of his teeth and bones, depend on the proper 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 cysts. A thyroid cyst is a benign tumor that looks like a capsule with liquid or solid contents that appears in the tissues of this organ.

Most often, representatives of the fair sex face such an unpleasant problem. Moreover, with age, the likelihood of a cyst appearing increases significantly. However, when faced with such a growth, you should not panic or become depressed - in 90% of cases, a tumor detected in a timely manner responds well to treatment. However, ignoring a cyst is also dangerous, 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, as well as how to treat thyroid cysts in this article.

Causes of thyroid cysts

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

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

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

We also add that age over 40 years and female gender should also be considered risk factors for the appearance of thyroid cysts. At least statistics show that women experience this disease 4 times more often.

Types and symptoms of cysts

Experts draw attention to the fact that cysts that appear in the thyroid tissues can vary 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 tumor is not always required. Having discovered such a cyst in a patient, the doctor chooses observation tactics, and all because over time the growth can resolve on its own. It is also premature to fear that a cyst will degenerate into a malignant tumor, because this happens no more often than in 5% of cases.

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

3. Multiple cysts. This is not a type of cystic neoplasm, but rather the conclusion of a medical examination. In fact, this is the first sign of proliferation 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 to the patient, recommends a diet aimed at replenishing the deficiency of this microelement, recommends normalizing one’s psychological background and taking care of the environmental aspect, which 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, since it grows very slowly and does not manifest itself for a long time. The period when the cyst begins to rapidly progress and increase in size is especially dangerous. To confirm the diagnosis, a piece of such a tumor is sent for a biopsy.

Symptoms of a 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 discovered exclusively during diagnostic procedures related to the detection of other diseases.

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

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

Stages of cyst development

Let us 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, causing discomfort in the throat and forcing a person to see a doctor. At this stage, the presence of a cyst can be easily detected in the laboratory.

The third stage is decisive. The cyst on it may resolve on its own, which often happens in the case of strong immunity, and develop into an oncological tumor, which has a hard consistency and is characterized 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 an alarming bell, indicating malignant changes occurring in the organ in question.

Possible complications

A thyroid cyst cannot be ignored, because often this neoplasm is complicated by an inflammatory process with subsequent suppuration. And this, in turn, increases the likelihood of cyst rupture with the subsequent development of peritonitis and sepsis. The fact that the cyst has begun to become inflamed will indicate heat(over 40°C), enlarged and painful cervical lymph nodes, as well as strong pain at the location of the cyst.

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

Finally, leaving a cyst unattended can lead to its degeneration into a cancerous tumor. This cannot be allowed under any circumstances, and therefore, at the first symptoms of this disease, rush to a specialist and go through all the proposed procedures.

Diagnosis of the disease

If you have a thyroid cyst, you should consult an endocrinologist. To begin with, he will interview the patient, try to palpate the swelling in the neck, and then invite the patient to undergo 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 the 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 tumor, and, penetrating the cyst, takes away part of the tissue that forms the tumor. These tissues are subsequently 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. In 50% of cases, this approach allows you to get rid of the existing tumor and avoid subsequent surgery.

If necessary, specialists also 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, to examine the bronchi and trachea;
laryngoscopy, to examine the larynx;
blood test to monitor the level of thyroid hormones.

Cyst treatment

Treatment methods for cysts in the thyroid gland depend on the nature of the detected tumor.

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

Considering 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 sclerosis of the growth. In this case, the sclerosant is alcohol, which glues the walls of the cyst and promotes its resorption.

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

When the cyst reaches 4 cm in diameter, specialists decide to remove it surgical methods. 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 if there is an oncological process in it.

We just need to add that surgery- this is an extreme measure that specialists take only in cases where the cyst:

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

Alternative treatment for cysts

Let’s say right away that most doctors have a negative attitude towards attempts to fight cysts through unconventional methods of treatment. However, practice shows that some cysts resolve precisely under the influence of traditional medicine recipes.

Alternative medicine offers the following recipes for the treatment of thyroid cysts:

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

2. Hot compresses with iodized salt, which are also applied to the neck area at night, have a similar effect on the cyst. An alternative to them can be compresses made from beets and honey, slightly warmed before applying to the neck.

3. To resolve the cyst, traditional healers recommend preparing an alcohol tincture from the medicinal plant zamanikha, and taking this remedy twice a day, 20 drops diluted in half a glass of water.

4. Start your day every day by taking 1 tsp. flaxseed oil and after 1.5–2 months the neoplasm 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 jewelry.

In addition, we will say that it is possible to prevent or eliminate an existing 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, shrimp and walnuts, berries and prunes, beets and rowan berries, dates, feijoa and eggplant. It is advisable to season your dishes with sea or iodized salt.

Cyst prevention

It doesn't cost 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 being in radioactive zones and areas of increased environmental pollution. In addition, it is important to avoid physical and emotional overload, and visit an endocrinologist twice a year to check the level of thyroid hormones.
Take care of yourself!