Goiter - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

An enlarged thyroid gland known as a goiter makes the neck bulge. A butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is located in front of the windpipe and is responsible for producing and secreting hormones that control metabolism and development. Most goiter cases belong to the category of "simple" goiters. These don't cause symptoms, don't affect thyroid function, don't entail inflammation, and frequently have no clear explanation.

Among the most common thyroid disease is goiter. It does not mean the thyroid is always functioning poorly; however, it may indicate an untreated underlying thyroid condition. Women are more likely to develop goiters than men, particularly after menopause. After age 40, goiters and thyroid disorders are usually more common.

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Types of Goiter

There are various types of goiter. They include

Colloid goiter
Toxic nodular or multinodular goiter
Nontoxic goiter

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Symptoms of Goiter

Apart from swelling at the bottom of the neck, most people with goiters don't exhibit any additional symptoms. The goiter is often so very little that only rarely found through a regular medical examination or imaging test for another condition. Symptoms depend on the state of the thyroid and the rate of growth.

Symptoms of Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Problems with memory or concentration
Increased sensitivity to cold
Fatigue
Dry skin
Increased sleepiness
Constipation
Muscle weakness

Symptoms of Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

Irritability and nervousness
High blood pressure
Rapid heartbeat
Weight loss
Excess sweating
Increased sensitivity to heat
Tremors
Muscle weakness
Changes in menstrual patterns
Sleep difficulty
Increased appetite

When to See a doctor?

Anyone suffering from the goiter symptoms listed above should see a doctor immediately since you could require therapy for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Goiters develop slowly, but if you have a large one and experience breathlessness or vocal changes, you should see a doctor. The jugular vein, windpipe, esophagus, or nerve connecting to the larynx could all be under pressure from the goiter. The growth has to be treated and could need to be removed surgically.

Causes of Goiter

The causes of goiter include:

Iodine deficiency: The most common cause globally, leading to an enlarged thyroid as it struggles to produce hormones without enough iodine.
Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease can cause inflammation and enlargement of the thyroid.
Thyroid nodules: Noncancerous growths on the thyroid can cause swelling.
Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, often resulting from infection or autoimmune conditions, can lead to goitre.
Medications: Certain drugs, like lithium, can cause thyroid enlargement.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to goitre.
Radiation exposure: Prior exposure to radiation can increase the risk of thyroid problems, including goitre.
Genetics: Family history and genetics can predispose individuals to thyroid problems like goitre.

Risk Factors of Goiter

Risk factors for goiter are:

Goiter is more common in women than in men.
Have a family history of thyroid nodules, cancer, or other thyroid-related issues.
Iodine consumption is inadequate.
Being over the age of 40 may affect the health of the thyroid.
Being pregnant or going through menopause might cause thyroid problems since these risk factors aren't always evident. Pregnancy and menopause can also cause thyroid issues.
Get radiation treatment for the chest or neck. The way the thyroid works may alter as a result of radiation.

Preventing Tips for Goiter

Here are some tips for preventing goiter:

Use only iodized salt for seasoning meals.
Consume iodine-rich seafood, including seaweed, shrimp, and shellfish.
Be careful not to overexpose yourself to radiation at work or while receiving radiation therapy.

Diagnosis of Goiter

Diagnosis of goitre includes the following steps

Physical Exam: Your doctor will conduct a detailed physical exam and will feel (palpate) your neck area for signs of an enlarged thyroid gland.
Blood Tests: Thyroid profile or hormone levels (T3, T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are checked through a blood test. This can help determine if the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism).
Ultrasounds: An ultrasound may be done to produce a visual of the thyroid gland, including its size and structure and any nodules or growths that may be present.
Thyroid Scintigraphy: Stated as a Scintigraphic Test, this process is used for the determination of the thyroid gland functional disorders in the human body. A small amount of radioactive iodine is injected into the body to test how much the thyroid gland absorbs.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy: If a nodule is suspected, a needle may be inserted into the nodule to remove tissue samples to check for cancer or other problems.
CT or MRI Scans: CT scans or MRIs may rarely be done for complications or when other imaging doesn't provide enough information.
Thyroid Antibodies Tests: Specific antibodies in the blood can indicate autoimmune disorders, such as Graves' disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis if suspected.

Treatments of Goiter

Goiter is treated according to the cause, size, symptoms, and whether thyroid function is involved in the process. Treatment options often include the following

Observation: If the goitre is small, asymptomatic and associated with a normal thyroid function, your doctor might advise watching and waiting.

Medications:
Thyroid hormone replacement: In cases where hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is the cause, synthetic thyroid hormone replacement (such as levothyroxine) can shrink the goitre and normalize the thyroid function.
Anti-thyroid drugs: If hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is the cause, medications such as methimazole or propylthiouracil come into play to lower the thyroid hormone output and shrink the goitre.
Iodine supplements: If the cause of the goitre is iodine deficiency, over time, it will get reduced with iodine supplements or diet changes.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy: Hyperthyroidism-related goitres may be treated with radioactive iodine, which selectively destroys thyroid tissue, reducing the thyroid gland size.

Surgery:
If the goitre is large enough to interfere with swallowing, breathing or pressing on other structures in the neck, surgery to resect part or all of the thyroid gland may be required.
If thyroid nodules or malignant growths exist, then surgical removal may be suggested.
Thyroidectomy: In cases of benign large goitres or when thyroid cancer is suspected, partial or complete removal of the thyroid (thyroidectomy) is required to address the issue.
Managing Underlying Conditions: The perpetrator could be autoimmune thyroid conditions (for example, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease), and treatment would focus on managing the autoimmune syndrome, possibly with immunosuppressive therapy.

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Do’s and Don’ts

The doctor will advise you with a thyroid diet dos and don'ts list in addition to establishing a diagnosis. While taking food precautions is necessary for thyroid patients, taking any prescription medications as prescribed by your doctor is even more crucial.

Do’s	Don’ts
Eat a balanced diet.	Eat soybean-related foods
Eat healthy dairy products.	Eat cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower
Check your thyroid levels regularly.	Do smoking or drinking alcohol
Use iodized salt in your food.	Self-medicate for the condition
Keep your body hydrated	Eat excess sugar & caffeinated beverages

Precautions and self-care will help you fight the condition positively and improve your quality of life.

Goiter Care at Medicover Hospitals

At Medicover hospitals, we have the best team of doctors and endocrinologists who collaborate to deliver Goiter treatment with maximum accuracy. Our highly experienced medical staff treat Goiter and its symptoms using the most up-to-date healthcare techniques and technology. We use a multidisciplinary approach to treat Goiter to give patients complete treatment and respond to their medical requirements for a quicker and more lasting recovery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main cause of goiter?

Goiter is primarily caused by iodine deficiency, which leads to the enlargement of the thyroid gland as it attempts to produce more hormones.

What are the early warning signs of thyroid issues?

Fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, and mood swings are common early signs. It's essential to monitor for symptoms like these and consult a healthcare professional if you suspect thyroid dysfunction.

What age do thyroid problems typically start?

Thyroid issues can emerge at any age, but they're more common after 40. However, they can also affect children and adolescents.

Can thyroid problems affect children?

Yes, thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can occur in children and even infants, impacting growth and development.

Is goiter more common in women?

Yes, women are more likely to develop goiter than men, particularly during periods of hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause. Autoimmune thyroid diseases, which can lead to goiter, are also more common in women.