Conditions: Multinodular Goiter

A multinodular goiter is a thyroid condition characterized by the presence of multiple nodules in an enlarged thyroid gland. The nodules can vary in size and may be either solid, fluid-filled, or mixed solid and fluid filled. While a large thyroid (goiter) may be readily apparent visually or by physical exam, identifying discrete nodules may or may not be felt with the fingertips. An ultrasound is generally the best way to characterize nodule(s) of a thyroid gland, but a large thyroid gland that anatomically extends below the collarbones (a substernal goiter) or compresses the trachea may require CT or other imaging. A multinodular goiter has a characteristic appearance of focal “hot” and “cold” areas on a radioiodine uptake scan.