16/11/2025
Case scenario:
60 years old lady presented with huge thyroid swelling for last 20 years.
She has no complaints regarding this.
Her investigation reveals benign nodular goitre.
what will be management plan?
Case summary -
Age-60years
Gender- Female
Presenting - Huge thyroid swelling
Duration - 20years
Cytology -Benign thyroid swelling
No clinical complaints
1. Rassess for Any Subtle Symptoms
Even if she denies complaints, large goitres can cause unnoticed:
• Pressure symptoms (mild dyspnea, dysphagia, hoarseness)
• Signs of retrosternal extension
• Cosmetic concerns
• Subclinical hyperthyroidism
Ask specifically, and consider imaging to rule out hidden compression.
2. Essential Investigations
Since diagnosis is “benign nodular goitre,” ensure the full workup is complete:
a. Thyroid function tests
• Serum TSH, FT3, FT4
b. Ultrasound of neck
• Confirms benign features
• Identifies dominant or suspicious nodules
c. FNAC (fine-needle aspiration)
• Already benign—ensure sampling was done of dominant nodule
d. X-ray neck / CT neck-chest (if large or retrosternal)
• Evaluate tracheal compression, deviation, retrosternal extension
3. Management-
Treatment depends on size, symptoms, cosmetic issues, and progression.
A. If asymptomatic and no compression
Conservative management (preferred)
• Observation
• Monitor every 6–12 months
• Thyroid function tests
• Neck ultrasound
• Clinical examination
• Iodine supplementation if need.
B. If Goitre is very large, growing, or cosmetically disturbing
Elective Surgery
Near total /total thyroidectomy/Hemithyroidectomy , depending on:
• Size of goitre
. Involved Lobe
• Presence of dominant nodules
• Cosmetic discomfort
Indications for surgery even in benign goitre:
• Large goitre (>4 cm nodules)
• Retrosternal extension
• Mechanical(Tracheal/ esophageal )compression
• Suspicious FNAC or rapid increase in size
• Cosmetic concern
• Patient preference
C. If Mild Compression but Patient Declines Surgery
Radioiodine (I-131) therapy is an option
Useful in:
• Elderly patients
• Poor surgical candidates
• Large multinodular goitre
Reduces goitre size by ~30–60% over 6–18 months.
4. Thyroxine Suppression Therapy?
NOT recommended
• Ineffective in multinodular goitre
• Risk of iatrogenic hyperthyroidism, especially in the elderly
Recommended Plan for THIS Patient-
Based on typical guidelines:
Since she is 60 yrs, with a huge goitre present for 20 years, even if benign:
• Assess for compression clinically + imaging
• If any compression → surgery
• If no compression, no cosmetic issues → observation is acceptable
• If goitre is huge cosmetically or progressively enlarging → elective thyroidectomy.