Goiter Disease
A goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland, located in your neck below the Adam's apple. This condition can involve the entire gland or develop as one or more lumps (thyroid nodules). The thyroid produces hormones, including T3 and T4, that regulate metabolism, body temperature, mood, heart rate, and digestion.
Goiters can occur with normal, low, or high thyroid hormone levels and may not always require treatment.
Types of Goiter:
- Diffuse Goiter: Enlarged thyroid with a smooth texture.
- Nodular Goiter: Presence of one or more lumps (nodules).
- Toxic Goiter: Enlarged thyroid producing excess hormones.
- Nontoxic Goiter: Enlarged thyroid with normal hormone levels.
Causes:
- Iodine Deficiency: Common globally; rare in regions with iodized salt.
- Autoimmune Conditions: Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism) or Hashimoto's disease (hypothyroidism).
- Thyroid Cancer: May cause gland enlargement.
- Pregnancy: Hormones like hCG can enlarge the thyroid.
- Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid.
Symptoms:
- Lump in the neck, tightness, or hoarseness.
- Severe cases may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Symptoms related to hormone levels, such as:
- Hyperthyroidism: Rapid heartbeat, weight loss, sweating.
- Hypothyroidism: Fatigue, weight gain, dry skin.
