THE PATHOLOGICAL ANATOMY 



281 



It is properly an anatomical term. Colloid glands (goiters) may be pres- 

 ent in association with several clinical complexes, most frequently in sim- 

 ple or endemic goiter and in 

 exophthalmic goiter. In the 

 older literature colloid glands 

 (goiters) were designated "col- 

 loid degenerations" and "cystic 

 degenerations." They have 

 nothing in common with de- 

 generation as this term is at 

 present used. The opinion has 

 often been expressed that col- 

 loid glands (goiters) are due to 

 a passive dilatation of the 

 alveoli from the accumulation 

 of colloid. While it is probable 

 that in the late stages of colloid 

 glands (goiters), obstructions 

 and circulatory disturbances 

 lead to passive dilatation, there 

 is no question that the process 

 of alveolar enlargement is al- 

 ways initiated as an active 



Fig. 16. Colloid goiter in bony fish (Salve- 

 linus fontinalis), illustrating the resting or 

 recovery stage of an active hyperplasia. Note 

 the variations in size of alveoli, their relation 

 to bone, flat cuboidal epithelium. (After 

 Marine and Lenhart, J. Exper. Med., 1910: 

 12.) 



hyperplasia. Uncomplicated 



types of colloid glands (goiters) are rare in man, even in the most favor- 

 able form of goiter, namely, simple or 

 endemic goiter in childhood. This is 

 because of the longer duration, treat- 

 ment, trauma, tumors, hemorrhage, 

 etc. Colloid glands (goiters) may be 

 produced experimentally in two to 

 three weeks in, animals with large 

 actively hyperplastic thyroids by the 

 administration of small amounts of 

 iodin. Their spontaneous produc- 

 tion, while tending to take place in 

 all active hyperplasias, usually ex- 

 tends over months or years depend- 

 ing on the species of animal, age, 

 sex, locality, treatment, nutrition, 

 etc. The gross appearance of an un- 

 complicated colloid gland is almost 



identical with the normal thyroid except for size. The general outline 



follows that of the normal gland. The consistency is firm and somewhat 



Fig. 17. Colloid goiter in sheep. 

 (After Marine, Johns Hopkins Hosp. 

 Bull., 1907: 18.) 



