Multinodular Goiter

Multinodular goiter (MNG) is the most common disorder of the thyroid gland. It is highly endemic in iodine-deficient areas; MNG can be seen in almost all individuals with severe iodine-deficient areas. It starts as a diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland and ends in a nodular enlarged thyroid. Though MNG can be sporadic, there is a strong correlation between occurrence of MNG and iodine deficiency. The characteristic feature of MNG is its functional and structural heterogeneity. The MNG usually presents as neck swelling; rarely it may produce pressure symptoms, i.e., dyspnea, hoarseness of voice, and dysphagia. It can also present with symptoms of hyperthyroidism particularly in long-standing goiter. Imaging particularly ultrasound is very useful to define characteristic of MNG and surrounding structure. The incidence of malignancy in MNG is 4–14%, and risk factors are family history of thyroid carcinoma, history of neck radiation, prior surgery, and presence of cervical lymphadenopathies. Management of MNG can be done by drugs, surgery, and radioiodine (I-131) depending on results of diagnostic evaluation and associated complications