Simple Colloid Goitre

• Goitre is defined as thyroid

enlargement caused by
compensatory hyperplasia and
hypertrophy of follicular epithelial
response to Thyroid hormone
deficiency.
 Etiopathogenesis
• Two morphological forms of
goitre are distinguished,
–Simple or colloid goitre.
–Nodular goitre.
• The presence of goitre reflects
impaired synthesis of thyroid hormone,
most often due to dietary deficiency of
iodine. Impairment of thyroid hormone
synthesis leads to a compensatory rise
in serum TSH level which in turn
causes hypertrophy and hyperplasia of
thyroid follicular cells, which ultimately
causes gross enlargement of thyroid.
 Gross Appearance
• In colloid goitre the enlargement of
thyroid gland is moderate,
symmetric and diffuse.
• Cut surface is gelatinous and
translucent brown. Secondary
changes such as fibrosis,
haemorrhage, cystic degeneration
and calcification are common in
late presentations
 Microscopic appearance

• The follicular epithelium shows 2

stages,Hyperplastic stage (early
stage).Involution stage (late stage).
• Hyperplastic stage: It is the early stage
and is characterised by tall columnar
follicular epithelium showing papillary
infoldings and formation of small new
follicles
• Involution stage: Generally follows
hyperplastic stage after variable period of
time. This stage is characterised by small to
large follicles distended by colloid and lined
by flat follicular epithelium. Few follicles may
show microscopic papillae formation. Areas
of haemorhage may be seen at places.
Fibrous scarring with foci of calcification may
also be seen.
Flat epithelium
Colloid