Thyroiditis: what it is, symptoms and causes of thyroid gland inflammation

The word "thyroiditis" in a doctor's report or a referral for tests often causes alarm: it is unclear what exactly has become inflamed, how serious it is, and whether it is cancer. Let us calmly go through it point by point: what the diagnosis means, what forms of thyroid inflammation exist, how it manifests, and which examinations confirm the picture.

What thyroiditis and thyroid gland inflammation are

Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland. The term unites a group of thyroid diseases of different origins in which an inflammatory process is an obligatory component. The thyroid gland is located in the neck, just above the place where the collarbones meet. Inflammation can change its function: in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, the function of the gland often decreases — hypothyroidism develops, when the gland produces less hormones than needed; but low hormone levels do not occur in everyone. The course can be slow: months and even years may pass from the onset of the process to a decrease in hormone levels.

Thyroiditis is cancer: clearing up the confusion

No, thyroiditis is not cancer. It is an inflammatory disease, not a malignant tumor. In rare cases, thyroid cancer or thyroid lymphoma may develop against the background of chronic thyroiditis, but these are precisely rare complications, not the diagnosis itself. To confirm chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease), as a rule, imaging studies and fine-needle biopsy are not needed.

Types of thyroiditis and why it occurs

The clinical classification distinguishes acute thyroiditis (diffuse and focal; suppurative and nonsuppurative), subacute (diffuse and focal), and chronic. Chronic includes fibroinvasive (Riedel's struma), lymphocytic, or autoimmune (Hashimoto's struma), postpartum, and specific — tuberculous, syphilitic, septicomycotic. The most common cause of decreased gland function is an autoimmune condition, Hashimoto's disease: the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, and it cannot produce enough hormone. The disease is more common in women and usually begins at the age of 30 to 50 years, although anyone can become ill. Chronic thyroiditis more often occurs in people with a family history of thyroid diseases; in rare cases it is associated with other autoimmune problems — for example, with adrenal insufficiency and type 1 diabetes.

Symptoms of thyroiditis, including in women

The signs are related to decreased gland function and develop gradually. Increased fatigue, feeling cold more often than usual, weight gain, constipation, difficulty with concentration and mental clarity, low mood or depression, dry skin, dry hair or hair loss, and a hoarse voice are possible. Women may have irregular or heavy periods. Sometimes the only early symptom is an enlarged neck or goiter; at a late stage the gland may become small or shrunken.

• Pronounced fatigue and feeling cold
• Weight gain and constipation
• Dry skin, hair loss, hoarseness
• Enlarged neck or goiter
• Irregular or heavy periods in women

How thyroiditis is diagnosed and when to see a doctor

The doctor asks about symptoms, clarifies the family history of thyroid diseases and autoimmune conditions, recent pregnancy, and examines the neck to understand whether the gland is enlarged. Laboratory tests of thyroid function include free T4, TSH, and thyroid autoantibodies. If decreased function is suspected, additional tests may be prescribed, and if necessary, referral to a specialist. You should see a doctor if symptoms of chronic thyroiditis or hypothyroidism appear.

On its own it is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if, in severe untreated hypothyroidism, altered consciousness appears up to coma, especially against the background of infection, trauma, or taking certain medications.

The material is for reference: it helps to understand the essence of the diagnosis and prepare for a conversation with a doctor, but does not replace consultation with a specialist.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer