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