Overview
A goiter is a visible or palpable enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can occur alongside normal, high or low thyroid function. Identifying the underlying cause helps determine the right monitoring or treatment approach.
Symptoms
- Swelling or tightness in the neck
- Visible neck enlargement
- Occasionally difficulty swallowing or breathing if the goiter is large
Causes & Risk Factors
Common causes of goiter include iodine deficiency, Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease, and nodular growth within the thyroid gland.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis includes a clinical neck examination, thyroid ultrasound, and thyroid function tests (TSH, T3/T4) to understand both the size and the underlying cause.
Treatment Options
Treatment is guided by the underlying cause and the size of the goiter, and may include:
- Treating the underlying cause (over- or under-active thyroid)
- Medication and regular monitoring
- Surgical referral if the goiter is large or causing obstruction
Benefits Of Treatment At Our Clinic
- Cause-specific treatment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
- Coordinated monitoring of thyroid function alongside goiter size