Patient's question:
At first, the neck became thicker, but I didn't take it seriously, thinking it was just fat gain. Then, it started to hurt, and upon a thorough examination, it was discovered to be a multinodular goiter. What should I do about a multinodular goiter?Doctor's answer:
If the degree of swelling is not severe, there are many reasons for goiter, including endogenous and environmental factors. Goiter is primarily caused by iodine deficiency. The thyroid gland compensates by increasing fibrosis to excrete more thyroid hormones, so it shrinks. In addition, thyroid growth immunoglobulin (TGI) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) can promote thyroid growth. Chinese medicine treatment can be determined, with methods including internal and external treatments. It is recommended to consume more iodine-rich seafood, such as kelp, jellyfish, dried shrimp, laver, and scallops, on a regular basis. It is also important to maintain a calm and pleasant mood, and to try to control irritable and aggressive emotions. If the swelling becomes unusually severe, leading to breathing difficulties, surgical treatment may need to be considered.