Thyroid Goiter
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
What is a thyroid goiter?
A thyroid goiter occurs when your thyroid gland grows larger than normal. Your thyroid makes hormones that help control your body temperature, heart rate, and growth. They also control how fast your body uses food for energy. The amount of thyroid hormones in your body may increase, decrease, or both when you have a goiter.
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What increases my risk for a thyroid goiter?
A lack of iodine in the foods you eat is the most common cause of a thyroid goiter. The following may increase your risk:
- Autoimmune thyroid disorders, such as Grave disease or Hashimoto disease
- Medical conditions, such as cancer, a thyroid infection, or a thyroid cyst
- Medicines used to treat mood disorders
- A family history of a thyroid goiter
- Pregnancy that causes your body to create more hormones
What are the signs and symptoms of a thyroid goiter?
A small goiter may have no signs or symptoms. As your goiter grows, you may be able to see a lump on your neck. A large goiter may press on your airway or neck veins and cause the following:
- A cough or choking
- Flushed face and swollen neck veins
- Hoarse voice
- Noisy, high-pitched breathing
- Pain when you swallow or trouble swallowing
- Trouble breathing when you lie down
How is a thyroid goiter diagnosed?
- Blood tests are done to check the level of thyroid hormones in your body. A blood test may also show if you have an autoimmune disease that caused your goiter.
- An ultrasound uses sound waves to show pictures of your thyroid on a screen.
- A fine-needle biopsy is done to get a tissue sample from your thyroid gland for testing.
- A thyroid scan is done to take pictures of your thyroid gland. A radioactive dye is given through a vein to help your healthcare provider see your thyroid better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any dye.
How is a thyroid goiter treated?
- Thyroid medicine is given to bring your thyroid hormone levels back to a normal range.
- Radioactive iodine is given to damage cells in your thyroid gland and decrease the size of your goiter.
- Surgery may be done to remove all or a part of your thyroid gland. Surgery is done if you cannot take medicines or your symptoms worsen. Ask for more information about thyroid surgery.
What can I do to manage my thyroid goiter?
- Eat iodine-rich foods. Examples include fish, seaweed, dairy products, eggs, beans, and lean meat. Iodized salt also contains iodine. You may need to use iodized table salt when you cook and season your food. Iodine may be added to bread or to your drinking water. Ask for a list of foods that contain iodine, and ask how much iodine you need each day.
- Go to your follow-up appointments. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
- You have a new cough that does not improve.
- You begin choking or have new or increased trouble swallowing.
- Your voice becomes hoarse.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
When should I seek immediate care or call 911?
- You have sudden chest pain or trouble breathing.
- Your symptoms worsen, even after you take your medicines.
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