Ella develops a large swelling in the front of her neck,which makes it difficult for her to swallow.Ella visits Dr.Stein for a checkup who decides to run some tests.After receiving the test results,Dr.Stein explains to Ella that she has iodine deficiency and that the protrusion in the front of her neck is,in fact,her enlarged thyroid gland.Based on the information provided in this scenario,from which of the following conditions is Ella most likely suffering?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ella is most likely suffering from goiter. The hyposecretion of T₃ and T₄ in adults results in nontoxic goiter. In primary hypothyroidism, there is a decreased production of total T₄ and T₃, but circulating TSH is increased. When little or no T₃ and T₄ circulate in the blood, TSH continues to stimulate the thyroid gland to release hormones that it cannot produce. This constant stimulation of the thyroid results in glandular enlargement (hypertrophy). As the thyroid increases in size, it protrudes from the front of the neck, causing a swollen appearance.

Ella Develops a Large Swelling in the Front of Her