What Is a Goiter?
A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. It may be associated with normal, high, or low thyroid function.
Causes
- Iodine deficiency (most common worldwide)
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- Graves' disease
- Thyroid nodules
- Thyroid cancer (rare)
Symptoms
- Visible swelling at base of neck
- Tight feeling in throat
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing (large goiters)
- Coughing
Treatment
- Depends on cause
- Iodine supplementation if deficient
- Thyroid hormone if hypothyroid
- Antithyroid drugs if hyperthyroid
- Surgery if compressive or cancer suspected
Source: American Thyroid Association, NLM MedlinePlus.
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