Pediatric multinodular goiter (MNG)

What is a pediatric multinodular goiter (MNG)?

A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. A multinodular goiter is made up of multiple thyroid nodules.

Factores de riesgo

Multinodular goiter is more common in girls than in boys.

Entre los demás factores de riesgo, se pueden incluir los siguientes:

• A family history of thyroid nodules

• Previous radiation exposure to the head and neck

• Age (incidence increases with age)

• Other thyroid conditions

What are the signs and symptoms of a pediatric multinodular goiter (MNG)?

Many children with multinodular goiter do not have any symptoms, so the goiter is initially discovered during a routine physical exam. For those who do have symptoms, they may include**:**

• Difficulty swallowing

• Dificultad para respirar.

• Neck or throat pain

• Ronquera

• Neck Mass or Swelling

• Pérdida de peso sin causa aparente

How is a pediatric multinodular goiter (MNG) diagnosed?

There are several methods that are used for diagnosing multinodular goiter. Your doctor may use a combination of these methods:

• Antecedentes y examen físico

• Pruebas de sangre para controlar los niveles de las hormonas tiroideas

• Imágenes ecográficas

• Prueba de captación de yodo radiactivo (una prueba no invasiva para determinar la cantidad de yodo radiactivo que absorbe la glándula tiroidea durante un período)

• Fine needle biopsy (removal of a small amount of thyroid tissue using a thin needle; the tissue is later examined under a microscope.)

What are the causes of a pediatric multinodular goiter (MNG)?

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

• Iron deficiency

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

How is a pediatric multinodular goiter (MNG) treated?

Treatment for multinodular goiter may include:

• “Watchful waiting” - monitoring your child’s condition, but no initial treatment

• Medications to regulate thyroid hormones

• Radioactive iodine - a liquid that is absorbed into the thyroid and reduces the size and activity of the nodules

• Surgery to remove the nodules (all or part of the thyroid gland may also need to be removed.)