Inflammation Of The Thyroid Gland (Thyroiditis), resulting sometimes in suppuration, may arise from injury, from septic infection, or from other less obvious causes. Its occurrence has been noted during the course of enteric fever, diphtheria, and acute rheumatism. Tuberculosis of the gland is not very uncommon in cases of general tuberculosis. The tubercles are usually few in number and small in size. Large caseating masses, causing actual enlargement of the gland (Tuberculous goitre) are occasionally seen. Syphilis very rarely affects the thyroid gland. Gummata have been observed in a few instances.

The principal diseases of the thyroid gland are associated with enlargement, and to these names Goitre and Struma are applied.