An enlargement of the thyroid gland leading to swelling of the neck or larynx.
Enlargement of the thyroid gland, seen as a swelling in the neck; may be hypothyroid, with low production of hormones, euthyroid (normal levels of the hormones) or hyperthyroid.
An excessive enlargement of the thyroid gland, seen as a swelling round the neck, caused by a lack of iodine.
Goitre is a term applied to a swelling in the front of the neck caused by an enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid lies between the skin and the front of the windpipe and in health is not large enough to be seen. The four main varieties of goitre are the simple goitre, the nodular goitre, the lymphadenoid goitre and the toxic goitre.
Thyroid gland enlargement, noticeable as a swelling at the base of the neck.
The thyroid gland can enlarge without affecting its function during puberty, pregnancy, or in women using oral contraceptives. In various regions of the world, the primary cause of goitre is a lack of dietary iodine, which is essential for the production of thyroid hormone. This type of enlargement is known as endemic goitre.
Toxic goitre is a condition that arises due to thyrotoxicosis in Graves’ disease and some other forms of hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland becomes overactive. Goitre can also be a characteristic of various types of thyroiditis, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and De Quervain’s thyroiditis, which involve inflammation of the thyroid gland. Additionally, goitre may result from a tumor or nodule within the gland and, in rare instances, from thyroid cancer.
Various types of familial goitre also exist. This form of goitre is a result of an inherited thyroid disorder and typically manifests during childhood. It is frequently accompanied by signs of hypothyroidism, such as learning difficulties.
The size of a goitre can vary significantly, ranging from a small, hardly noticeable lump to a substantial swelling, depending on the underlying cause. In cases of large goitres, they may exert pressure on the esophagus or the trachea, leading to difficulties in swallowing or breathing.
Diagnosis often includes several thyroid function tests, such as blood tests and radionuclide scanning, to assess the activity of the thyroid gland.
A goitre that is not caused by a disease may resolve on its own over time. Goitre resulting from iodine deficiency can be treated by consuming foods rich in iodine. When a goitre is caused by an underlying disease, the treatment focuses on addressing the specific disorder. In the case of large goitres, surgical removal is a viable option.