How to Treat Third-Degree Simple Goiter?

Third-degree simple goiter poses significant health risks, and once diagnosed, prompt treatment is necessary. Medication is the preferred treatment approach. Doctors should select iodine therapy, TSH suppressive therapy, or radioactive iodine therapy based on the patient's condition to alleviate symptoms such as neck enlargement and throat tightness.

1. Medication Therapy

Iodine therapy is effective in treating third-degree simple goiter. Potassium iodide tablets are primarily used for this purpose. Generally, after one year of iodine therapy, the volume of the simple goiter can be significantly reduced. However, for elderly patients or those with nodular goiter that has persisted for a long time, the treatment effect may be poorer.

2. Surgical Treatment

If the condition of a patient with third-degree simple goiter is too severe, and medication therapy shows no significant effect, surgical treatment should be considered. Partial thyroidectomy or subtotal thyroidectomy can be selected based on the patient's condition to relieve local compressive symptoms postoperatively.