 Health Guide Drug Guide Images Goiter - simpleDefinitionA goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. It is not cancer. See also:
Alternative NamesSimple goiter CausesThere are different kinds of goiters. A simple goiter can occur for no known reason, or when the thyroid gland is not able to produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body's needs. The thyroid gland makes up for this by becoming larger. There are two types of simple goiter:
Colloid goiters occur in groups of people who live in areas with iodine-poor soil. These regions are usually away from the sea coast. People in these communities might not get enough iodine in their diet (iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormone). The use of iodized table salt in the United States today prevents iodine deficiency. However, the Great Lakes, Midwest, and innermountain areas of the United States were once called the "goiter belt," because a high number of goiter cases occured there. A lack of enough iodine is still common in central Asia, the Andes region of South America, and central Africa. For more information on this type of goiter, see: Colloid nodule goiter. In most cases of sporadic goiter the cause is unknown. Occasionally, certain medications such as lithium or aminoglutethimide can cause a nontoxic goiter. Inherited factors may cause goiters. Risk factors include:
SymptomsThe main symptom is a swollen thyroid gland. The size may range from a single small nodule to large neck lump. The swollen thyroid can put pressure on the windpipe and esophagus, which can lead to:
There may be neck vein swelling and dizziness when the arms are raised above the head. Exams and TestsThe doctor will feel your neck as you swallow. The doctor may be able to feel swelling in the area. Tests that may be done include:
If nodules are found on ultrasound, a biopsy should be done to check for thyroid cancer. TreatmentA goiter only needs to be treated if it is causing symptoms. Treatments for an enlarged thyroid include:
Outlook (Prognosis)A simple goiter may disappear on its own, or may become large. Over time, destruction to the thyroid may cause the gland to stop making enough thyroid hormone. This condition is called hypothyroidism. Occasionally, a goiter may become toxic and produce thyroid hormone on its own. This can cause high levels of thyroid hormone, a condition called hyperthyroidism. Possible Complications
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall your health care provider if you experience any swelling in the front of your neck or any other symptoms of goiter. PreventionThe use of iodized table salt prevents endemic colloid goiter. ReferencesVanderpas J. Nutritional epidemiology and thyroid hormone metabolism. Ann Rev Nutr. 2006; 26:293-322. AACE/AME. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Associazione Medici Endocrinologi. Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Nodules. Endocr Pract. 2006 Jan-Feb;12(1):63-102. Ladenson P, Kim M. Thyroid. In: Goldman L and Ausiello D, eds. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders; 2007:chap 244.
Review Date:
4/29/2009 Reviewed By: Deborah Wexler, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Endocrinologist, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
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