Which Is the Ideal Treatment for Benign Diffuse and Multinodular Non-Toxic Goiters?

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Thyroidology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Large benign goiters can cause compressive symptoms like dysphagia and airway obstruction, necessitating treatment.
• Asymptomatic patients with benign goiters may be monitored, provided malignancy is excluded.
• Current treatment strategies for benign goiters remain a subject of clinical discussion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss current therapeutic options for diffuse and multinodular non-toxic benign goiters.
• To evaluate the efficacy and controversies surrounding various treatment modalities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current therapeutic options for benign goiters.
• Discussion of surgical interventions, levothyroxine (LT4) therapy, and radioiodine treatment.

Main Results:

• Surgical treatment is indicated for symptomatic large benign goiters.
• Levothyroxine (LT4) therapy for goiter volume reduction is controversial.
• Radioiodine therapy is a safe and effective option, alone or with recombinant human TSH.

Conclusions:

• Treatment decisions for benign goiters depend on symptoms and goiter type.
• Both surgical and radioiodine therapies are established options.
• Further research may clarify the role of levothyroxine in goiter management.