Definition

A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid. The thyroid is a gland. It produces hormones that help regulate your body’s metabolism. It is located on the front of the neck, right below the Adam’s apple. Goiters are seldom painful. They tend to grow slowly.

There are different types of goiters. This sheet focuses on nontoxic goiter. It is a type of simple goiter that may be:

• Diffuse—enlarging the whole thyroid gland
• Nodular—enlargement caused by nodules, or lumps, on the thyroid

The development of nodules marks a progression of the goiter. It should be evaluated by your doctor.

Goiter (Enlargement of the Thyroid Gland) Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

The exact causes of nontoxic goiter are not known. In general, goiters may be caused by too much or too little thyroid hormones. There is often normal thyroid function with a nontoxic goiter. Some possible causes of nontoxic goiter include:

• Family history of goiters
• Regular use of medications such as lithium, propylthiouracil, phenylbutazone, or aminoglutethimide
• Taking a lot of substances (goitrogens) that inhibit production of thyroid hormone—common goitrogens include foods such as cabbage, turnips, Brussel sprouts, seaweed, and millet
• Iodine deficiency—though rare in the US and other developed countries, it is a primary cause of goiter in other parts of the world, particularly in mountainous areas, or areas that experience heavy rainfall or flooding

Risk Factors

Nontoxic goiter is more common in women and in people over age 40.

Other factors that may increase your chances of nontoxic goiter:

• A diet low in iodine
• Family history of goiter
• History of radiation therapy to head or neck, especially during childhood

Symptoms

Nontoxic goiters usually do not have noticeable symptoms, unless they become very large. Symptoms may include:

• Swelling of the neck
• Breathing difficulties, coughing, or wheezing with large goiter
• Difficulty swallowing with large goiter
• Feeling of pressure on the neck
• Hoarseness

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor may recommend a specialist. An endocrinologist focuses on hormone related issues.

Your body fluids and tissues may be tested. This can be done with:

• Blood tests
• Biopsy— fine needle aspiration

Images may be taken of your body structures. This can be done with:

• Ultrasound
• Thyroid scan
• Barium swallow
• X-ray

Treatment

Nontoxic goiters usually grow very slowly. They may not cause any symptoms. In this case, they do not need treatment.

Treatment may be needed if the goiter grows rapidly, affects your neck, or obstructs your breathing.

If a nontoxic goiter progresses to the nodular stage, and the nodule is found to be cancerous, you will need treatment. Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of a nontoxic goiter, be sure that your diet contains enough iodine.