Goiter is one of the most common thyroid diseases. It is the name given to the swelling and enlargement of the thyroid gland. When the thyroid gland enlarges, it may produce too much or too little hormone. However, an enlarged thyroid can continue to function well and produce hormones in sufficient amounts.
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Goiter is generally not a condition that causes serious health problems. However, in some cases it may require medical intervention. Because there may be a serious disease underlying it.
The most common cause of goiter is observed as thyroid hormones being less or more than they should be. An abnormal function occurs. If it works less than normal and produces hormones, it is called hypothyroidism. If it works excessively, it is called hyperthyroidism.
What Is Goiter?
What Is Goiter? It is the name given to the enlargement of the thyroid gland located in the lower front part of the neck, around the windpipe. It is more common in individuals with iodine deficiency. It occurs more in women than in men. The thyroid gland enlarges with or without nodules. Nodules are followed up and malignant ones are removed with surgical methods. Iodine treatment is also a method performed for this condition.
If it functions normally, its enlargement does not cause a problem unless it creates pressure. However, if it leads to the hyperthyroidism condition in which thyroid hormones are secreted excessively, iodine treatment or surgical methods are used. This condition is also called toxic goiter. It is not a painful condition, but it can cause coughing, difficulty swallowing, and breathing difficulty.
Goiter Symptoms
Goiter symptoms are seen in some patients, while they do not appear in others. In some patients, it can cause difficulty swallowing, coughing, shortness of breath, and pain. In goiter, symptoms related to the thyroid gland secreting too little or too much hormone are also seen. If insufficient hormone is secreted, conditions such as weight gain, sleepiness, lethargy, dry and coarse skin, and hair loss may be seen. If more hormone than normal is secreted, symptoms such as diarrhea, palpitations, headache, tremor, irritability, and nausea may occur.
It can occur in people of almost any age. However, it is more common in middle-aged and older women. Radiation, pregnancy, menopause, and smoking often cause this condition.
What Are the Factors That Increase the Risk of Goiter?
What Are the Factors That Increase the Risk of Goiter? It is a disease that can occur in everyone and in individuals of all ages. However, it is known to be more common in women. In addition, it is also more common in middle-aged individuals. In some individuals, it may occur congenitally or may develop later. In general, the risk factors include the following:
- Being female
- Advanced age
- Diabetes
- Being pregnant
- Having given birth recently
- Entering menopause
- Having a family history of goiter
- Exposure to radiation
- Using lithium
- Following a diet low in iodine
- Use of certain medications
These situations can cause the formation of goiter. Especially individuals who have family members with it should have regular check-ups.
How Is Goiter Diagnosed?
How Is Goiter Diagnosed? It can be diagnosed by palpating the swelling in the neck. In addition, some tests are performed and the situation is clarified with the results of these tests. The condition can be diagnosed by blood test, thyroid scintigraphy, ultrasound, and biopsy. Biopsy is generally a method applied when cancer is suspected. As a result of the tests, the patient's condition is clarified and an appropriate treatment method is chosen accordingly.
In treatment methods, medication therapy, radioactive iodine method, and surgical methods may be used. Which treatment will be applied to the patient is chosen entirely depending on the details of the patient's condition. Thus, the patient is prevented from experiencing some symptoms that reduce quality of life. In addition, this condition should be followed up and whether it is malignant should be monitored.
Related content: What Is Parathyroid Adenoma?
Goiter FAQ
1. Is goiter dangerous?
After a goiter diagnosis is made, treatment methods should be started. Goiter can become dangerous when it turns into cancer and when its treatment is delayed.
2. What is toxic goiter?
Toxic goiter is seen when thyroid hormone is secreted excessively. The thyroid glands enlarge and cause the formation of goiter.
3. What is iodine deficiency in goiter disease?
Goiter is a disease that can occur due to iodine deficiency. Iodine is necessary for thyroid hormone production, and an excess or deficiency of thyroid hormone causes the formation of goiter.
4. How is goiter treated?
Goiter treatment is treated with medication use, hormone therapy, radioactive iodine therapy, and advanced surgical methods.
5. How can goiter be recognized?
The most obvious feature of goiter disease is swelling in the neck area and difficulty swallowing. When these symptoms are seen, a doctor should be consulted.
