What is goiter?
A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of your thyroid gland.
The most common cause of goiters worldwide is a lack of iodine in the diet. However, the thyroid gland may increase in size due to autoimmune damage.
Nodular goiter
Nodular goiter is a condition in which nodular damage is expressed in certain areas of the thyroid gland.
Risk group includes individuals who have a genetic predisposition to thyroid pathologies. People living in areas where iodine is in short supply and who don't have access to iodine supplements are also at high risk of goiters.
Diagnosis
As for the diagnosis - thyroid ultrasound is one of the most important methods of research.
The next step in diagnosing a suspicious nodule is a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
Hormonal research is usually prescribed, in particular, a blood test is performed to determine the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid gland and pituitary gland.
Treatment
Goiter treatment depends on the size of the goiter, your signs and symptoms, and the underlying cause. A small inconspicuous goiter that does not cause problems does not require treatment.
Symptoms
Not all goiters cause signs and symptoms. When signs and symptoms do occur they may include:
- A swelling at the base of your neck that may be particularly obvious when you shave or put on makeup
- A tight feeling in your throat
- Coughing
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
Causes
Several things can cause your thyroid gland to enlarge.
Some of the most common are:
- Iodine deficiency.
- Grave's disease
- Hashimoto's disease
- Multinodular goiter
- Solitary thyroid nodules
- Thyroid cancer
- Pregnancy
- Inflammation
Scientists explain that goiter is common in people over the age of 40 and women get sick more often than men.
Both personal and family history of autoimmune disease is noteworthy - autoimmune diseases significantly increase the risk of developing goiter.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/goiter/symptoms-causes/syc-20351829
