Struma of the Carotid Gland

Question: The carotid gland struma is one of the common formations in the neck, which can have various manifestations and requires timely detection and treatment. In this article we will look at what the struma of the carotid glands is, what symptoms are associated with it and how to treat it.

Struma carotid gland (synonym: parathyroid adenoma) is one of the most famous benign tumors. The tumor is located in the glandular tissue of the thyroid gland on its anterior surface near a large arterial canal. Malignant degeneration of such a node has not been described in medicine. It is a round formation with a diameter of 3–6 cm or more, filled with a dark brown substance of dense or soft consistency. Rarely there are nodes of mixed consistency, when the hard part is in the center of the formation.

As early as the nineteenth century, strumas were a common finding in human autopsies. Scary photographs of “struma” made a pathological history of tumors of the parathyroid glands. Subsequently, in the native parenchyma of the thyroid gland, clinicians discovered benign, and over time, malignant papillary foci. The most striking changes in thyroid tissue associated with thyroid cancer were described by E. Storz in 1882. He identified nodular tumor formations in the thyroid gland in 28 patients. These data are fully consistent with ours, however, the spread of malignant lesions is beginning to predominate among other thyroid diseases. More often, highly differentiated tumors with a dense consistency become malignant. This is confirmed by morbidity statistics, data on which are provided by B.S. Yavorsky (in 2014, 99% of thyroid tumors were papillary cancer).

The symptoms of the process are associated with a number of factors. First of all, a benign tumor develops gradually, and its growth may occur for several years before symptoms appear. The formation begins to put pressure on surrounding tissues, causing discomfort and pain. In addition, breathing problems may occur as the tumor may interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. There may also be problems with swallowing and speech, as the mass can interfere with the functioning of the tongue and larynx.

Treatment of struma begins with conservative therapy, which may include a diet with limited iodine intake, the use of iodine preparations in the form of tablets or topically - in the form of drops for oral administration and external use in the form of iodoform pastes. Radioactive iodine may also be used, which acts like concentrated radiation on the tumor.

If conservative therapy does not bring results, surgical treatment is used. The operation is performed in an open manner using modern equipment and techniques that make it possible to remove the struma without affecting the adjacent tissue. After the operation, postoperative monitoring of the patient is carried out to avoid complications.

It is important to note that early detection of carotid struma and its treatment can help prevent its further development and reduce the risk of complications. Therefore, it is important to undergo regular examinations and consult a doctor if any changes appear in the neck area