Does a nodular goiter require surgery?

Thyroid nodules are a common disease, which mainly fall into three categories. One is nodular goiter, which is a degenerative lesion. The second is a true tumor, that is, thyroid adenoma, which is a benign tumor. The third is thyroid cancer. So, do you need surgery if you suffer from nodular goiter? Now let me give you a detailed introduction.

Surgery is not recommended because 1) if there is no discomfort, multiple nodules will not affect daily life;

2) Surgery has many side effects, especially neck injuries which slow recovery and may lead to hypothyroidism.

Recommendation 1) Taking Chinese medicine or Chinese patent medicine for treatment and conditioning, although it cannot quickly shrink the nodules, it can control the growth of nodules;

2) A vegetarian diet with 60% of the daily food intake consisting of whole grains, supplemented with vegetables and fruits, will significantly reduce the nodules if it is adhered to for several months;

3) The amount of meat per day cannot exceed 10% of the total food intake. You cannot eat seafood or drink milk;

4) Check thyroid hormone and thyroid B-ultrasound once a month to monitor changes in the condition.

Dietary principles for thyroid enlargement

1. Calories: Because hyperthyroidism will increase the body's metabolic rate, the calories required can be increased every day.

2. Protein: You can increase the amount of protein, such as meat, eggs, milk, etc.

3. Vitamins: As the calorie intake increases, the demand for B vitamins also increases, so you should pay attention to supplementing them.

4. Iodine: It is a component of thyroid hormone. Giving iodine compounds to patients with hyperthyroidism can increase thyroid hormone storage and reduce release, but excessive intake will affect anti-thyroid hormone treatment.

The general iodine requirement is 120-165 micrograms for adult males and 100-115 micrograms for adult females. If you are pregnant, you should increase the dosage by 10 to 15 micrograms. If you are a breastfeeding woman, you should increase the dose by 25 micrograms. Nodular goiter can become cancerous, but you have to take medication after surgery. This is a matter of choice, not a problem of medical technology. If you choose not to have surgery, you should have regular checkups and be mentally prepared for the possibility of cancer. Patients with goiter generally do not require surgery. The national examination report shows that the range of the goiter is not very large, but there is a small amount of blood supply, which means that the goiter is very likely to continue to grow. As long as the patient does not have difficulty swallowing and breathing, the goiter does not require surgical treatment. Although surgical treatment is effective quickly, it will damage the thyroid gland and will be accompanied by many complications such as hypothyroidism.

Methods for treating goiter include surgical treatment and targeted regulation, which are currently recognized by patients - TSH balance therapy and DCP immunotherapy.

Patients should eat more seafood containing iodine, such as kelp, seaweed, dried shrimp, etc. You also need to keep your emotions comfortable and calm, and try to control your impatience and irritability. Don't eat irritating foods, such as onions, ginger, garlic, chili peppers, etc., and don't drink tea or coffee. No smoking or drinking. You also need to do proper exercise, such as running and swimming.