Goiters are relatively common. A goiter is typically not dangerous, unless the underlying cause of thyroid enlargement is a thyroid cancer. It is important to identify the cause of the goiter to rule out cancer. When a goiter becomes large enough, it may appear as a swelling in the neck. A goiter is usually painless but may cause pressure-related symptoms, including:. This is an enlargement of the thyroid gland that extends underneath the breastbone and possibly in between the lungs.
Overview Enlarged thyroid Open pop-up dialog box Close. Enlarged thyroid Widespread enlargement of the thyroid can expand the gland well beyond its typical size left and cause a noticeable bulge in the neck right. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Pituitary gland and hypothalamus Open pop-up dialog box Close. Pituitary gland and hypothalamus The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus are located within the brain and control hormone production.
Thyroid nodules Open pop-up dialog box Close. Thyroid nodules Enlargement of the thyroid can expand the gland well beyond its typical size and cause a noticeable bulge in the neck. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Goiter. American Thyroid Association. Accessed Sept. Ross DS. Clinical presentation and evalution of goiter in adults.
Treatment of nontoxic, nonobstructive goiter. Hypothyroidism underactive. MayoClinic; Hyperthyroidism overactive. Mayo Clinic; All about the thyroid. Doctors will reserve surgery to reduce the size of the swelling for cases where the goiter is causing troublesome symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Surgeons will usually perform thyroidectomies , the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, when the person is under general anesthetic. A healthcare professional may diagnose a goiter through a physical examination of the neck, palpating for swelling.
They may ask the person to swallow while feeling for a goiter. If they suspect a goiter, they may recommend further tests to determine any underlying problems with thyroid function, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Thyroid function tests are blood tests that measure levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH and thyroxine. A carefully controlled feedback mechanism means that TSH stimulates the thyroid to produce more thyroxine, while T4 tells the thyroid to stop producing as much thyroxine. With an overactive thyroid, TSH levels are low or non-existent, and T4 levels are high.
In people with underactive thyroid, the reverse is true. TSH levels are high and T4 levels are low. A goiter is a swelling of the thyroid gland. It is often harmless, though it can signal an underlying thyroid condition.
Depending on its cause, a goiter may go away without treatment. Thyroid disorders may occur if the gland releases too much or too little hormone. In this article, learn about hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and…. The thyroid gland in the neck produces hormones that are vital for many bodily functions. Thyroid nodules are lumps that can occur in an otherwise…. Swollen lymph nodes usually indicate a temporary infection, but they can also be a sign of some medical conditions, including certain immune disorders….
Unlike the other goiters discussed, the cause of this type of goiter is not well understood. In addition to the common causes of goiter, there are many other less common causes. Some of these are due to genetic defects, others are related to injury or infections in the thyroid, and some are due to tumors both cancerous and benign tumors. As mentioned earlier, the diagnosis of a goiter is usually made at the time of a physical examination when an enlargement of the thyroid is found.
However, the presence of a goiter indicates there is an abnormality of the thyroid gland. Therefore, it is important to determine the cause of the goiter. As a first step, you will likely have thyroid function tests to determine if your thyroid is underactive or overactive see Thyroid Function Tests brochure. Any subsequent tests performed will be dependent upon the results of the thyroid function tests.
Other tests used to help diagnose the cause of the goiter may include a radioactive iodine scan, thyroid ultrasound, or a fine needle aspiration biopsy see Thyroid Nodule brochure. The treatment will depend upon the cause of the goiter. If the goiter was due to a deficiency of iodine in the diet not common in the United States , you will be given iodine supplementation given in preparations to take by mouth.
This will lead to a reduction in the size of the goiter, but often the goiter will not completely resolve. This treatment will restore your thyroid hormone levels to normal, but does not usually make the goiter go completely away.
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