A goiter is when your thyroid gland, which sits at the front of your neck just below your voice box, becomes larger than usual. This gland is usually not visible, but with a goiter, you might notice a lump or swelling.
Typically, goiters don’t cause pain, but depending on their size, they can make swallowing uncomfortable. How a goiter is treated depends on how severe it is and what’s causing it. Many doctors might suggest medication, radioactive iodine, or even surgery to help with symptoms.
Around the world, a lack of iodine is the main reason people get goiters. However, in the U.S., where iodine deficiency is less common, goiters often result from autoimmune thyroid issues. In fact, about 5% of Americans will have a goiter at some point in their lives.
Goiters come in different types, depending on why they form, how the thyroid grows, and whether they impact hormone levels. The symptoms can differ based on the size and root cause. Sometimes, goiters are not noticeable and don’t cause any symptoms. But if symptoms do show up, they might include various signs like swelling or difficulty swallowing. If there’s a hormone imbalance involved, other symptoms may arise as well.
Iodine is crucial for producing thyroid hormones, and a lack can lead to goiters because it disrupts the thyroid’s normal function. In places where people get enough iodine, other factors can cause goiters, such as certain medical conditions or lifestyle factors.
Certain risk factors might increase the chance of developing a goiter. If you spot swelling in your neck or other symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. During a check-up, they will review your medical history, conduct a neck exam, and possibly order tests to diagnose the issue properly.
Treatment aims to get your thyroid working normally again, reduce the thyroid size, ease any symptoms, and address what’s causing the problem. Depending on your symptoms, goiter size, and general health, the treatment could range from monitoring to medication, radioactive iodine treatments, or surgery if necessary.
For small goiters with normal hormone levels, your doctor might just monitor the situation without further treatment. However, if there’s a hormone imbalance or the goiter is large, they might suggest medication, radioactive iodine, or surgery. If the thyroid is overactive, radioactive iodine can shrink the goiter and restore hormone balance, though this treatment might sometimes lead to an underactive thyroid.
For particularly large goiters causing problems like swallowing or breathing difficulties, a thyroidectomy might be recommended. This surgery involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland.
While some causes of goiters, like genetic predisposition, are beyond control, certain strategies can help prevent them. If left untreated, goiters could lead to complications, especially if they affect hormone levels. Keeping an eye on symptoms like neck swelling is important. In some cases, an enlarged thyroid could signal more serious conditions like thyroid nodules or cancer. Early detection enhances treatment options and outcomes, so seeing a healthcare provider when symptoms appear is crucial.
