Endocrinology and Endocrine System

Goiters

A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of your thyroid gland. Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck just below your Adam's apple. Although goiters are usually painless, a large goiter can cause a cough and make it difficult for you to swallow or breathe. The most common cause of goiters worldwide is a lack of iodine in the diet. In the United States, where the use of iodized salt is common, a goiter is more often due to the over- or underproduction of thyroid hormones or to nodules in the gland itself. Not all goitres cause symptoms. Symptoms that do occur might include swelling and coughing. Rarely, symptoms may include throat tightness or trouble breathing. A small goitre that doesn't cause symptoms may not need treatment. In some cases, medication or surgery is required. Treatment depends on the size of the goiter, your symptoms and the cause. Small goiters that aren't noticeable and don't cause problems usually don't need treatment.

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