The thyroid is a gland responsible for producing hormones that support numerous bodily functions. Plummer disease causes nodules to develop on the gland, which can result in an excessive number of hormones being produced (which is known as hyperthyroidism). Plummer disease can be treated with medication and surgery, which relieves symptoms and potentially stops more serious health effects.
Some people with Plummer disease will develop a goitre, which is inflammation of the thyroid gland that produces a prominent bulge in the front of the neck (Plummer disease is also called toxic multinodular goitre). Other symptoms include:
People with a family history of Plummer disease have a higher chance of developing the condition. Other risk factors include smoking, being over the age of 55, and being female. Plummer disease can also be caused by other medical conditions, including thyroid cancer, thyroiditis, and autoimmune disorders.
Plummer disease can sometimes cause more serious health complications involving the heart. Along with issues like irregular heartbeat and palpitations, the condition can also lead to heart failure.
People with this condition also have a risk of thyroid storm, which is when the effects of hyperthyroidism suddenly become worse. Thyroid storm is associated with symptoms like fever, stomach pain, and mental fog that can diminish a person’s awareness.
Medication cannot cure Plummer disease, but it can control the effects of hyperthyroidism. In this case, a patient may receive beta-blockers, as well as drugs that affect how the thyroid processes iodine. To reduce or eliminate the nodules, doctors may recommend radioactive iodine or perform surgery. With surgery, hormone therapy may be necessary if the thyroid is no longer able to produce a sufficient number of hormones to support bodily functions.
Most people with Plummer disease experience success after treatment, and with surgery, the condition does not usually return. However, older adults have a greater chance of experiencing complications, which can affect the long-term outlook.