Thyroiditis means that the thyroid gland is inflamed. The most prevalent type of autoimmune hypothyroidism is a disease that causes the thyroid to shrink (atrophy) - it is called Hashimoto's disease and may cause Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In addition to Hashimoto's disease, viral infections can occasionally cause thyroiditis.
It is common for the thyroid gland to atrophy (get smaller) and shift lower in the neck with aging. An atrophic thyroid can also be a finding indicative of hypothyroidism (a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn't produce enough of certain crucial hormones). Other causes of an atrophic thyroid include previous thyroid surgery (as seen in patients with thyroid nodules or Graves’ disease) and history of radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer, Graves’ disease or a nodular goiter.
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, carries air in and out of your lungs. A diverticulum describes a bulge or “pouch” that occurs because of an anatomical weak spot along the trachea, causing an outward bulge. A tracheal diverticulum is usually asymptomatic (does not cause symptoms) but can be associated with coughing or frequent respiratory infections.
Thyromegaly, also called a goiter, means the thyroid is larger than normal. This can be from iodine deficiency, family history of thyroid disease or history of radiation exposure to the head and neck. Thyromegaly can be asymptomatic (no symptoms present) or can present with hypothyroid symptoms (i.e. fatigue, constipation) or hyperthyroid symptoms (i.e. weight loss, palpitations).
Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within the thyroid, a small gland located at the front base of the neck. They are common and usually benign (non-cancerous), but because of the possibility of malignancy (cancerous), they do need follow-up and possibly biopsy (tissue sampling).
Vallecula refers to the anatomic depression (space) between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis (the leaf-shaped flap of tissue in the throat that prevents food from entering the windpipe and the lungs). The function of the vallecula is to serve as a trap for saliva and occasionally food. Vallecula cysts are benign (non-cancerous) retention cysts of the minor salivary glands in the vallecula and base of the tongue. They are usually asymptomatic (do not cause symptoms), but large growths can sometimes cause a sensation of fullness or discomfort. While asymptomatic cysts do not require treatment, marsupialization (a surgical procedure to remove the cyst) may be indicated for those that cause symptoms.
