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Goitre
Medical Questions » Goitre
| Name: Goitre |
| Also known as: Thyroid Gland Enlargement |
| An enlargement of the thyroid gland which lies over the throat just below the Adam' s apple. |
Causes of Goitre
An enlarged thyroid gland indicates that it is malfunctioning either by producing too much (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) of the hormone thyroxine. A goitre can also be due to the development of cysts or tumors in the gland, or a lack of iodine in the diet (iodine is essential for the production of thyroxine). |
Symptoms of Goitre
A lump or swelling in the front of the neck that moves under your fingers when you swallow. |
Tests for Goitre
Blood tests can determine the activity of the thyroid gland and the amount of thyroxine being produced. An ultrasound or radio nucleotide scan will show any tumors or cysts. |
Treatment for Goitre
Depends on the cause surgery for an overactive gland (see hyperthyroidism) or thyroid supplements for an under active one (see hypothyroidism). In most developed countries a goiter due to a lack of iodine has been eliminated since the introduction of iodized table salt, bread and milk.
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Complications of Goitre of its treatment
Depends on the cause. |
Likely Outcome of Goitre
The enlargement usually settles with appropriate treatment. |
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