Goiter is a condition where the thyroid gland grows irregularly or enlargement of the thyroid gland. Normally the thyroid gland is a small, butterfly shaped gland located at the base of the neck. Goiter causes a lump in front of the neck and it moves up and down during swallowing.

 Causes:

There are a number of factors that influence thyroid function or growth but the most common and main cause is Iodine deficiency. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production and if a person won’t get enough dietary iodine it may interfere with thyroid growth and function.

Some other causes are like-

Graves’ disease an autoimmune disorder

Hashimoto’s disease also an autoimmune disorder caused by immune system attacking healthy tissues

Pregnancy sometimes may cause the thyroid gland to be overactive and enlarge slightly as during pregnancy a hormone releases named as Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

Thyroid cancer

Thyroiditis or inflammation

Thyroid nodules

Thyroid nodules an irregular growth of thyroid cells that form a lump. For more please read our full blog on thyroid nodules.

Symptoms:

Some common symptoms are-

Hoarse voice

Dizziness

Swollen neck

Coughing

Shortness of breathing

Difficulty in swallowing

In case of hyperthyroidism-

Rapid heartbeat

Sweating

Diarrhea

Agitation

In case of hypothyroidism-

Fatigue

Constipation

Weight gain

Irregular menstrual cycle

Dry skin

Lower heart rate.

Treatment:

Mainly treatment depends on the condition of goiter but some treatments are like-

Medication prescribed by registered medical practitioner

Surgery

Radioactive iodine.

 

References:

https://www.webmd.com/women/understanding-goiter-basics?__cf_chl_managed_tk__=f40g25hO4XnpBfjaiBDXdICrZdwH3chQ.8Eit68.JQo-1642490252-0-gaNycGzNEj0#091e9c5e80007e5a-1-3

https://www.healthline.com/health/goiter-simple#causes

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/goitre/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/goiter/symptoms-causes/syc-20351829