Also known as toxic nodule, toxic adenoma is a medical condition that causes the thyroid gland to produce an abundance of hormones due to development of a nodule. These hormones can contribute to symptoms like fatigue and increased appetite, as well as carry a risk of more serious complications.
With toxic adenoma, the thyroid gland only develops one extraneous nodule. Conversely, toxic multinodular goitre can cause the development of multiple nodules, all of which can release excess hormones. Toxic multinodular goitre is also known as Plummer disease.
Toxic adenoma causes hyperthyroidism, which is characterized by an excessive number of hormones being produced by the thyroid. Symptoms of this condition can include:
This condition is associated with more severe complications and can even result in heart failure. Toxic adenoma can also accelerate the rate of bone loss and may contribute to thyroid storm, which is a sudden onset of symptoms related to hyperthyroidism.
Nodules may develop on the thyroid due to family history, medical conditions (including certain autoimmune disorders), and risk factors related to age and gender (the condition most often affects females aged 55 and older). Smoking can also increase a person’s risk of experiencing a toxic nodule.
Symptoms of toxic adenoma can be managed with medications, but other treatments are necessary to remove the nodule producing excess hormones. Doctors may recommend surgery to remove the nodule. In some cases, the thyroid can continue producing hormones after surgery, but a person may also require hormone replacement therapy if the gland no longer functions normally.
Radioactive iodine therapy is another option for removing a nodule from the thyroid gland. With this treatment, the patient can take an iodine pill to shrink the nodule and stabilize hormone production. Because this condition most often affects older individuals, the outcome can depend on the person’s current state of health. However, timely treatment generally offers the best prognosis.