Goiter: symptoms, causes, treatment

Definition

What is goiter?

Goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. Usually goiter is not a tumor or cancer. Although it is not sick, a goiter that is too large can make it difficult for you to breathe, swallow, and cough.

How common is goiter?

Goiter is very common. This disease is more common in women than men. Patients can be of any age. Goiter can be controlled by reducing your risk factors. Discuss with your doctor for more information.

Symptoms and characteristics

What are the symptoms of goiter?

The symptoms of goiter are:

• A lump visible at the base of the neck (under the jaw).
• The throat feels tight and tight.
• Coughs.
• Dry and hoarse throat.
• It's hard to swallow.
• It's hard to breathe.

There may be symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns or questions, see a doctor immediately.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience one or more of the symptoms above or if you have any questions, check with your doctor. Everyone's body is different, so it's best to talk to your doctor about what is best for your condition.

Cause

What causes goiter?

There are several possible causes of goiter. Among others are:

• Iodine deficiency. Iodine, which is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, is found in seawater and land in coastal areas. Initially iodine deficiency may be triggered and worsened by a diet high in hormone-disrupting foods such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.
• Graves' disease. Goiter sometimes occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. In Graves' disease, the antibodies produced mistakenly attack the thyroid gland, causing it to overproduce thyroxine. This is what makes the thyroid swell.
• Hashimoto's disease. A goiter can also occur due to a lack of thyroid hormone. Well, Hashimoto's disease and Graves' disease are both autoimmune diseases. However, in Hashimoto's disease you actually have a thyroid deficiency, so the pituitary gland produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid. As a result, the thyroid gland becomes swollen.
• Multinodular goiter. Several lumps called nodules can appear on both sides of the thyroid, causing the gland to swell.
• Single thyroid nodule. In this case, a thyroid nodule appears on one side of the thyroid gland. Most nodules are benign, so they will not lead to cancer.
• Thyroid cancer. This type of cancer is much less common than non-cancerous, aka benign cases of thyroid. Thyroid cancer is usually characterized by swelling of the thyroid on only one side.
• Pregnancy. The hormone produced during pregnancy, namely HCG, can cause thyroid enlargement.
• Inflammation. Thyroiditis is inflammation that causes pain and swelling of the thyroid. This condition can cause disruption of thyroxine production, either excess or deficiency.

Risk factors

Am I at risk of getting Mumps?

There are a number of risk factors for goiter. Some of them are:

• Iodine deficiency. People who live in areas where iodine is less common is more at risk of developing goiter.
• Women are more likely to develop thyroid disorders, making them more prone to goiters.
• As you get older, your risk of getting goiter continues to increase.
• Medical history. A personal or family member's medical history with autoimmune diseases can make you more vulnerable.
• Pregnancy and menopause. For reasons that are not completely clear, thyroid problems are more common during pregnancy and menopause.
• Certain drugs. Several medications, including drugs that suppress the immune system, antiretrovirals (ARVs), heart medications, and medications for mental illness can put you at risk for goiter.
• Exposure to radiation. Your risk increases if you are exposed to radiation (for example in cancer treatment) to the neck and chest area or if you work in a place where the radiation levels are high.

Diagnosis & treatment

The following information is not a substitute for medical advice or a visit to a doctor. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

How do doctors diagnose goiter?

Your doctor may detect a lump by feeling your neck and jaw while asking you to swallow. In certain cases, the doctor may also feel the thyroid nodule. Then to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may recommend:

• Hormone test. Blood tests can determine how much hormone the thyroid and pituitary gland are producing.
• Antibody test. Some of the causes of goiter have to do with the abnormal production of antibodies. Blood tests can confirm the presence of these antibodies.
• A transducer-like tool will be used around your neck. Then the sound waves bounce off the neck, forming an image on the computer. The image shows the size of the thyroid gland and whether it is a gland containing thyroid that doctors had not realized before.
• Scan thyroid. This procedure shows the size and nature of the thyroid (benign or not). Unfortunately, this procedure is more invasive and time-consuming and costly.
• Biopsy. During the biopsy, the doctor uses an ultrasound to guide a needle into the thyroid for tissue or fluid to be tested.

How to treat goiter?

Goiter treatment depends on the symptoms you feel, the cause of the disease, and the size of the goiter. Your doctor may recommend:

• If the goiter is small and unobtrusive, your doctor may only ask you to continue monitoring the condition.
• If you have hypothyroidism, your doctor may give you a thyroid hormone replacement with levothyroxine. For inflammation of the thyroid gland, your doctor may give you aspirin or a corticosteroid medication to treat inflammation. If you have hyperthyroidism, your doctor will give you drugs to stabilize hormones.
• Removing all parts of the thyroid gland can be an option if you have trouble breathing or swallowing or there is cancer of the thyroid.
• Radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) can be used to treat an overactive thyroid gland. RAI is given by mouth and will enter the bloodstream, destroying thyroid cells. Usually the goiter does shrink, but it can cause the thyroid gland to be underactive. To overcome this, the doctor may give artificial thyroid hormone that needs to be taken every day.

Lifestyle changes

What are some lifestyle changes and home remedies to control goiter?

Here is a list of lifestyle changes to treat goiter.

• Get enough iodine, for example from seafood (fish, shrimp, or shellfish) and salt. If you live in a coastal area, vegetables and fruit may also contain iodine, even if it's a small amount. You need about 150 micrograms of iodine every day, and this should be fulfilled especially for pregnant and lactating women and babies and children.
• Depending on the doctor's diagnosis and the cause of the disease, some people who have excess iodine can actually develop goiter. If you have been diagnosed with excess iodine, limit your intake and avoid seafood such as shrimp to seaweed.

If you have any questions, please contact your doctor to determine the best solution for your health condition.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.