Goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, below the Adam’s apple. It can be caused by various factors, including iodine deficiency, over- or underproduction of thyroid hormones, nodules in the gland, or certain conditions such as Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s disease. Here are the key points about goiter:
Symptoms: Goiters may not always cause noticeable signs or symptoms, but when they do, they can include visible swelling at the base of the neck, tightness in the throat, coughing, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty breathing.
Causes: The main cause of goiters worldwide is iodine deficiency. In regions where iodine is routinely added to salt and other foods, goiters are more often caused by thyroid hormone imbalances or nodules. Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s disease, multinodular goiter, solitary thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, pregnancy, and inflammation can also lead to goiter.
Risk factors: Factors that increase the risk of developing goiter include a lack of dietary iodine, being female, age over 40, personal or family history of autoimmune disease, pregnancy or menopause, certain medications, and previous radiation exposure to the neck or chest.
Complications: Small goiters without symptoms usually don’t cause complications, but large goiters can obstruct breathing or swallowing and cause coughing, hoarseness, and other problems. Goiters associated with thyroid disorders can have additional symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
Diagnosis: A physical examination of the neck and swallowing test can help detect an enlarged thyroid gland. Hormone tests measure thyroid hormone levels and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Antibody tests and imaging techniques like ultrasound or thyroid scan may also be used. Biopsy can be performed to examine the tissue or fluid in the thyroid.
Treatment options depend on the size, symptoms, and underlying cause of the goiter. Observation may be recommended for small, asymptomatic goiters. Medications such as thyroid hormone replacement or anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed. Surgery may be necessary for large goiters causing breathing or swallowing difficulties or for thyroid cancer. Radioactive iodine treatment may be used for overactive thyroid glands.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a primary care provider, endocrinologist, or ENT specialist, for diagnosis and appropriate treatment options for goiter