Goiter (Enlarged Thyroid)
Description
An enlargement of the thyroid gland. This gland is located in the neck and produces a lump in the middle of the neck near the "Adam's apple". This disorder occurs much more frequently in women than in men. In the U.S. the most common cause of a goiter is an abnormal production of thyroid hormone - either too much or not enough. Internationally the most common cause of this condition is lack of iodine in the diet. Most patients do not have symptoms from this disorder although if the thyroid becomes too large it can push on the wind pipe causing problems.
Symptoms
Swelling in neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, cough.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests include: thyroid lab tests, thyroid ultrasound if a mass is present, thyroid scan and/or a CT scan.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Ultrasound
Treatment
Treatment is determined by the cause of the goiter and ranges from thyroid hormone replacement, dietary changes, surgical removal, and/or ablation with radioactive treatment.
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