Goiter
Description
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland with the appearance of a butterfly that is often found in the lower front of the neck. The thyroid's function is to produce thyroid hormones, which aid in maintaining appropriate brain, heart, muscle, and other organ function as well as energy metabolism and body temperature.
The illness known as goiter causes your thyroid gland to enlarge. Your thyroid may become larger overall, or it may form one or more thyroid nodules, which are tiny lumps.
Goiter may be related to either abnormal thyroid hormone levels (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) or normal thyroid hormone levels (euthyroidism).
Symptoms
Other than a swelling at the base of the neck, most people with goiters do not exhibit any other symptoms or indicators. Other indications or symptoms depend on the state of the thyroid, the rate of growth, and whether breathing is obstructed by the goiter.
Hypothyroidism's warning signs and symptoms include :
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Increased tiredness
- Problems with memory or focus
Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include :
- Tremors
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Muscle weakness
- Frequent bowel movements
- Changes in menstruation cycles
- High blood pressure
- Problems sleeping
- Weight loss
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Increased sensitivity to heat
- Increased appetite
Children with hyperthyroidism might also have the following :
- Rapid growth in height
- Changes in behavior
- Bone growth that outpaces expected growth for the child's age
The size or location of a goiter may restrict the airway and voice box in cases of obstructive goiter. Some such symptoms and signs are :
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing with exertion
- Cough
- Hoarseness
- Snoring
Book an appointment with your Diabetes and Endocrinology doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
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View MoreCauses
A number of factors that influence thyroid function or growth can result in a goiter such as :
- Iodine deficiency
- Hashimoto's disease
- Graves' disease
- Thyroid nodules
- Thyroid cancer
- Pregnancy
- Inflammation
Diagnostics
Your Diabetes and Endocrinology doctor may notice a lump in your neck during a physical examination.
Laboratory studies :
- Thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, and T4)
- Antibody test
Imaging :
- Ultrasonography
- Radioactive iodine uptake
- Biopsy: To evaluate for the presence of cancerous cells
Treatment
The course of treatment for a goiter is determined by its size, your symptoms, and its underlying cause.
- Medications :
- A thyroid hormone replacement such as levothyroxine substitutes T4 and liothyronine may be provided as a T3 replacement is used to treat an underactive thyroid.
- An anti-thyroid medication such methimazole, which interferes with the production of hormones, may be used to treat an overactive thyroid.
- Beta blockers like metoprolol and atenolol for treating hyperthyroidism symptoms.
- If thyroid inflammation causes pain, it is typically treated with aspirin, naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, or other similar painkillers. A steroid may be used to relieve severe pain.
- Surgery : Goiter with consequences like breathing or swallowing difficulties, thyroid nodules that cause hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer may be treated by a total or partial thyroidectomy.
- Radioactive iodine treatment : For an overactive thyroid gland.
