Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is a butterfly shaped gland located at the base of the neck. In some cases, goiter is a minor and even temporary problem, but, even in minor cases, the goiter may become so large that it puts pressure on a food pipe or wind pipe and cause hoarseness, cough, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. In more serious cases goiter may be a symptom of a disease or condition that may require treatment.
Types:
There are 4 main types of goiter, simple goiter, toxic goiter, congenital goiter, and thyroid cancer. “Simple goiter” is a non-cancerous swelling of the thyroid this swelling is caused by either an iodine deficiency (“endemic goiter”) or as a reaction to medication (“sporadic goiter”). “Toxic goiter” is caused by overproduction or underproduction of hormones secreted by the gland. “Congenital goiter” is a birth-defect passed from mother to child through the placenta. Goiter can also be a symptom of “thyroid cancer”.
Causes:
Goiter is usually a symptom of another medical issue. There are several known causes of goiter, including the following:
- Iodine Deficiency – Iodine helps regulate hormone production in the thyroid. If too little iodine is consumed, the thyroid will enlarge in an attempt to compensate for the deficiency. Since many parts of the world have introduced iodized salt as part of a regular diet, this cause of goiter is significantly less common than it used to be. In certain areas, though, it remains a cause of the problem.
- Hyperthyroidism – This condition refers to an overactive thyroid gland, or one that produces too much hormone. This extra activity can result in goiter. Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder, is one manifestation of this.
- Hypothyroidism – This condition refers to an underactive thyroid gland, or one that produced too little hormone. The diminished activity can also result in goiter. Hashimoto’s disease, another autoimmune disorder, is one manifestation of this.
- Thyroid Nodules – Sometimes, the thyroid develops benign nodules. This results in an enlargement of the gland as a whole.
- Thyroid Cancer – The production of cancerous cells in the thyroid itself can also cause goiter. This is the most serious cause of goiter, but it is not an especially common one.
- Pregnancy – Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the thyroid, resulting in goiter.
- Inflammation:General inflammation of the thyroid can also lead to goiter.
