Despite great efforts to improve the iodine supply in the diet, Germany is still a goitre endemic area. Frequent consequences are goiters with and without nodules, which can ultimately lead to thyroid dysfunction.

In order to clarify the functional status of the thyroid gland, the first step is to determine the thyroid hormones and another hormone that regulates the work of the thyroid gland (known as TSH).

In addition to the palpation findings, thyroid ultrasound is used to detect goiters. Although this provides information about the structure, as a morphological procedure it cannot provide any information about the function of the thyroid gland. If nodules are detected sonographically, a thyroid scintigraphy is therefore usually performed, as this is the only way to differentiate between the nodules in terms of their functional position. Increased hormone-producing nodules (usually in the form of so-called focal autonomous nodules) can lead to hyperthyroidism; in the thyroid scintigram they show increased storage ("hot nodules") and are usually benign. Nodules with reduced hormone production usually consist of regressively altered thyroid tissue; they show reduced storage in the scintigram ("cold nodules"). As in rare cases these nodules can also degenerate malignantly(thyroid carcinoma), they should be investigated further by means of a largely painless fine needle aspiration.

In addition to focal autonomies, so-called disseminated autonomy or an immune disease, Graves' disease, can also lead to hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, is usually caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland.

The prophylaxis or early detection and treatment of thyroid diseases is an important task of interdisciplinary cooperation between internists and nuclear medicine specialists in order to avoid more serious disease progression and operations. With this in mind, the Clinic and Polyclinic for Nuclear Medicine at the University of Munich carries out all diagnostic measures and makes appropriate treatment recommendations in collaboration with general practitioners and colleagues at the university polyclinics.

If radioiodine therapy is necessary, we also offer (in cooperation with the internal medicine clinics) the treatment of benign and malignant thyroid diseases as well as follow-up examinations after treatment (especially for patients with thyroid carcinomas).

Here is an example: