How are toxic multinodular goiters diagnosed?
Patients who are diagnosed with toxic multinodular goiters usually present to attention in one of two ways. Some patients may present with enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by the growth of multiple thyroid nodules. This enlargement may cause compressive symptoms that are first identified as problems with swallowing or breathing. Enlargement of the thyroid gland may also have been noted by observers, identified on physical examination, or discovered as an incidental finding on radiographic images of the neck. Subsequent thyroid function tests may confirm the presence of thyrotoxicosis, raising the suspicion that the thyroid nodules may represent a toxic multinodular goiter. Other patients may present with profiles of symptoms and thyroid function tests that are consistent with thyrotoxicosis. Subsequent physical examination may reveal the presence of multiple thyroid nodules that may represent a toxic multinodular goiter. In either case, further evaluation to establish a definiti
