What is Goiter
Goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. The thyroid is located in the lower front of the neck. It makes hormones that affect many body parts and systems, including the system that affects how quickly the body burns fuel for energy (metabolism).
Most goiters are painless and are not a cause for concern. Some goiters can affect the way your thyroid makes thyroid hormones. Goiters and conditions that cause goiters can be treated, if necessary.
What are the causes?
Common causes of this condition include:
- Lack (deficiency) of a mineral called iodine. The thyroid gland uses iodine to make thyroid hormones.
- Diseases that attack healthy cells in the body (autoimmune diseases) and affect thyroid function, such as Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s disease. These diseases may cause the body to produce too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little of the hormone (hypothyroidism).
- Conditions that cause inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis).
- One or more small growths on the thyroid (nodular goiter).
Other causes include:
- Medical problems caused by abnormal genes that are passed from parent to child (genetic defects).
- Thyroid injury or infection.
- Tumors that may or may not be cancerous.
- Pregnancy.
- Certain medicines.
- Exposure to radiation.
In some cases, the cause may not be known.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more likely to develop in:
- People who do not get enough iodine in their diet.
- People who have a family history of goiter.
- Women.
- People who are older than age 40.
- People who smoke tobacco.
- People who have had exposure to radiation.
What are the signs or symptoms?
The main symptom of this condition is swelling in the lower, front part of the neck. This swelling can range from a very small bump to a large lump. Other symptoms may include:
- A tight feeling in the throat.
- A hoarse voice.
- Coughing.
- Wheezing.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- Bulging veins in the neck.
- Dizziness.
When a goiter is the result of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), symptoms may also include:
- Nervousness or restlessness.
- Inability to tolerate heat.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Diarrhea.
- Change in the texture of hair or skin.
- Changes in heartbeat, such as skipped beats, extra beats, or a rapid heart rate.
- Loss of menstruation.
- Shaky hands.
- Increased appetite.
- Sleep problems.
When a goiter is the result of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), symptoms may also include:
- Feeling like you have no energy (lethargy).
- Inability to tolerate cold.
- Weight gain that is not explained by a change in diet or exercise habits.
- Dry skin.
- Coarse hair.
- Irregular menstrual periods.
- Constipation.
- Sadness or depression.
- Fatigue.
In some cases, there may not be any symptoms and the thyroid hormone levels may be normal.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed based on your symptoms, your medical history, and a physical exam. You may have tests, such as:
- Blood tests to check thyroid function.
- Imaging
tests, such as:
- Ultrasound.
- CT scan.
- MRI.
- Thyroid scan.
- Removal of a tissue sample (biopsy) of the goiter or any nodules. The sample will be tested to check for cancer.
How is this treated?
Treatment for this condition depends on the cause and your symptoms. Treatment may include:
- Medicines to regulate thyroid hormone levels.
- Anti-inflammatory medicines or steroid medicines, if the goiter is caused by inflammation.
- Iodine supplements or changes to your diet, if the goiter is caused by iodine deficiency.
- Radioactive iodine treatment.
- Surgery to remove your thyroid.
In some cases, you may only need regular check-ups with your health care provider to monitor your condition, and you may not need treatment.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Follow instructions from your health care provider about any changes to your diet.
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. These include supplements.
- Do notuse any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your symptoms do not get better with treatment.
- You have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Get help right away if:
- You have sudden, unexplained confusion or other mental changes.
- You have a fever.
- You have chest pain.
- You have trouble breathing or swallowing.
- You suddenly become very weak.
- You experience extreme restlessness.
- You feel your heart racing.
Summary
- A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland.
- The thyroid gland is located in the lower front of the neck. It makes hormones that affect many body parts and systems, including the system that affects how quickly the body burns fuel for energy (metabolism).
- The main symptom of this condition is swelling in the lower, front part of the neck. This swelling can range from a very small bump to a large lump.
- Treatment for this condition depends on the cause and your symptoms. You may need medicines, supplements, or regular monitoring of your condition.
