Plummer disease, or toxic multi-nodular goiter, is a condition in which multiple nodules in the thyroid glands produce too much thyroid hormone, causing hyperthyroidism.

Too much thyroid hormone can cause weight loss, heart palpitations, and sweating. However, surgery can effectively treat Plummer disease.

This article examines the symptoms, causes, and risk factors of Plummer disease. It also discusses its diagnosis, treatment, outlook, and prevention.

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Plummer disease causes hyperthyroidism, resulting in the following common symptoms:

Less commonly, Plummer disease can cause:

  • difficulty with certain movements, such as squatting or climbing stairs
  • atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat
  • increased bone loss, leading to a higher risk of fractures
  • lower libido
  • difficulties controlling urination in children

Plummer disease can also cause significant swelling of the thyroid. This causes a large mass to develop around the neck, which doctors call a goiter. In some cases, the goiter can cause the following symptoms:

As the previous 2023 review explains, there are several causes of Plummer disease. For instance, healthcare professionals believe that this condition has a genetic component.

Other potential factors include:

Certain risk factors for Plummer disease make it more likely that someone will develop this condition. These risk factors may include:

  • a family history of Plummer disease
  • being female
  • being over 50 years of age
  • smoking

As the American Thyroid Association explains, doctors diagnose Plummer disease by first noting its symptoms.

They will then perform laboratory blood tests to determine whether the person is producing too much thyroid hormone.

A person may also require a thyroid scan, which involves swallowing radioactive iodine, which is visible on a scanner. The iodine will build up in the parts of the thyroid that are working the hardest. In those with Plummer disease, the scan will show multiple areas of thyroid overactivity.

The American Thyroid Association also details the treatment of Plummer disease. This may involve:

  • Medication: Antithyroid medication can help control hyperthyroidism. Beta-blockers may help manage some hyperthyroidism symptoms, such as fast heart rate.
  • Surgery: Surgery involves removing an entire side of the thyroid gland. This will be the side containing the hyperactive nodules. In many cases, the nodules are present all over the thyroid gland, requiring a total removal.
  • Radioactive iodine: This treatment involves injecting higher doses of radioactive iodine. This causes the overactive thyroid nodules to shrink.

Can diet make a difference?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), diet can sometimes affect people with hyperthyroidism. Eating high iodine foods, which include seaweeds such as kelp and dulse, can cause even greater thyroid activity.

A person with Plummer disease may benefit from eating a diet low in iodine.

The outlook for people with Plummer disease can be positive. Many cases do not require any treatment, and interventions for the disease can be very effective.

Is Plummer disease curable?

In many cases, surgery can cure Plummer disease. This is because the risk of recurrence is very low following surgery for the condition.

The following are potential complications of Plummer disease:

Additionally, a 2022 study found evidence that Plummer disease is a risk factor for thyroid cancer. However, more research is necessary to confirm this link.

Anyone with symptoms of Plummer disease needs to contact a doctor. A prompt diagnosis can mean earlier treatment, which is very effective.

The NIH describes Graves’ disease as an autoimmune condition that can cause hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease and Plummer disease are different in the following ways:

  • Graves’ disease tends to affect people earlier in life.
  • Plummer disease tends to cause fewer signs and symptoms than Graves’ disease.
  • Plummer disease carries a lower risk of thyroid storm.

Plummer disease is when multiple nodes with the thyroid gland become hyperactive. This can cause a wide range of symptoms, including weight loss, heart palpitations, and shaking.

Doctors perform physical exams, blood tests, and scans to diagnose Plummer disease.

In asymptomatic cases, treatment is unnecessary. However, those experiencing symptoms of Plummer disease require treatment, including medication, radioactive iodine, or surgery to remove the thyroid gland.