Compensatory Hyperplasia: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Clinical Outcomes in Simple Nontoxic Goiter

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Myka Bussey-Campbell

Location

Savannah Ballroom

Type of Research

Proposed

Session Format

Poster Presentation

College

Waters College of Health Professions

Department

Clinical Sciences

Abstract

Abstract

This case study is a presentation of a nontoxic simple goiter that was identified using ultrasound. The patient was a 19-year-old male who was experiencing palpable enlargement to the left side of his neck. After the images were taken and submitted to the radiologist the report stated that the official diagnosis was a nontoxic simple goiter. The goiter measured to be 8 cm long and was located in the left lobe of the patient’s thyroid. Due to the size of the goiter, it was compressing the patient’s right lobe.  A nontoxic simple goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid that is noncancerous. The most common cause of this diagnosis is iodine deficiency. The thyroid uses iodine to release thyroid hormones. When the thyroid is not getting enough iodine, it starts making too much iodine on its own to compensate which causes the thyroid to become enlarged. A nontoxic simple goiter may also be caused by taking certain medications or having dietary restrictions. Depending on the size of the goiter the patient may not feel any pain or discomfort. If the goiter is too large it could protrude the neck and compress the trachea which may cause issues with breathing, swallowing, or speaking. If the area is not bothersome to the patient, treatment options may include routine follow-up scans, medication, or dietary changes. Surgery is usually not the first option; however, it does depend on the patient’s needs.

Keywords: nontoxic goiter, thyroid enlargement, thyroid hormones, iodine deficiency

Program Description

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Start Date

4-21-2026 1:30 PM

End Date

4-21-2026 3:30 PM

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Apr 21st, 1:30 PM Apr 21st, 3:30 PM

Compensatory Hyperplasia: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Clinical Outcomes in Simple Nontoxic Goiter

Savannah Ballroom

Abstract

This case study is a presentation of a nontoxic simple goiter that was identified using ultrasound. The patient was a 19-year-old male who was experiencing palpable enlargement to the left side of his neck. After the images were taken and submitted to the radiologist the report stated that the official diagnosis was a nontoxic simple goiter. The goiter measured to be 8 cm long and was located in the left lobe of the patient’s thyroid. Due to the size of the goiter, it was compressing the patient’s right lobe.  A nontoxic simple goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid that is noncancerous. The most common cause of this diagnosis is iodine deficiency. The thyroid uses iodine to release thyroid hormones. When the thyroid is not getting enough iodine, it starts making too much iodine on its own to compensate which causes the thyroid to become enlarged. A nontoxic simple goiter may also be caused by taking certain medications or having dietary restrictions. Depending on the size of the goiter the patient may not feel any pain or discomfort. If the goiter is too large it could protrude the neck and compress the trachea which may cause issues with breathing, swallowing, or speaking. If the area is not bothersome to the patient, treatment options may include routine follow-up scans, medication, or dietary changes. Surgery is usually not the first option; however, it does depend on the patient’s needs.

Keywords: nontoxic goiter, thyroid enlargement, thyroid hormones, iodine deficiency