The thyroid gland, located around the throat, is the largest hormone-producing gland in the body, and contains a number of specialized cells that control the secretion of several hormones into the bloodstream. A thyroid adenoma occurs when cells within the thyroid gland begin to proliferate out of control, developing into a tumor composed of mutant glandular tissue. These tumors may develop as a result of a number of underlying conditions.
Hashimoto's Disease
A potential cause of a thyroid adenoma is Hashimoto's disease, also called chronid thyroiditis. Patients with Hashimoto's experience a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland, which ultimately reduces thyroid functioning and leads to hormone imblances. As a result, patients with the disease often develop dry skin, constipation, weight gain and irregular menses, according to Medline Plus. The constant inflammation can also promote tumor growth, since inflammation can promote abnormal cell proliferation, as well as allow new blood vessel development to feed a tumor. Patients with Hashimoto's may requre hormone therapy to correct hormone imblanaces, as well as additional treatments to treat thyroid adenomas if they develop.
Radiation Treatment
In some cases, thyroid adenomas can develop due to radiation therapy, a common cancer treatment. During radiation therapy, patients are exposed to a high dose of radiation, and while the radiation is target into a tumor, surrounding tissues also reeive a smaller dose of damaging radiation. As a result, patients who have undergone radiation therapy for head and neck cancers may develop thyroid growths due to radiation damage to the thyroid gland, according to Medline Plus. Patients who had received radiation treatments around the thyroid gland should attend follow-up examination to help ensure the continued heath of their thyroid gland.
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine deficiency can also lead to thyroid dysfunction, and eventually cause a thyroid adenoma. Iodine is a chemical compound found in low amounts in soil and in greater amounts in the sea. Patients who ingest food growth in iodine-poor soil may suffer from iodine deficiency in their diet. Since iodine in required for proper thyroid functioning and hormone production, patients without sufficient iodine in their diet may develop thyroid growths including benign nodules, according to The American Thyroid Association. This abnormal growth may eventually facilitate a thyroid adenoma. Patients can help increase their intake of iodine and prevent thyroid dysfunction by ingesting iodine-enriched table salt.
