Goiter: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Goiter is a disease caused due to deficiency of certain vital macronutrients in the human body such as vitamins, minerals, etc. Goiter disease means an enlarged thyroid in humans which leads to either too much or too little generation of hormones. In this article, we will be looking into the various types of Goiter disease and learn about its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Goiter causes two conditions which are Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. 

• In Hyperthyroidism, the hormones are overly secreted. 
• In Hypothyroidism the hormones are under secreted.

Check out Chemical Coordination and Integration. (Goiter.pdf)

Types of Goiter

There are a few different types of goiter that can happen to a person. These may also depend upon the cause of the disease. Therefore, the various types of goiter are: 

• Colloid Goiter (Endemic): This condition occurs when there is a deficiency of iodine in the body.
• Non-Toxic Goiter (Sporadic): The cause of this condition is still unknown but studies indicate it may be due to intake of Lithium.
• Toxic Goiter (Nodular or Multinodular): The condition causes hyperthyroidism by forming one or more nodes that produce their own hormones.

Causes of Goiter

Goiter is caused by the deficiency of macronutrients and minerals in the body. The most common deficiency which causes thyroid is iodine deficiency. The thyroid gland requires iodine to function normally and when this is not available, the gland enlarges and tries to produce the hormones required.

The other causes are:

• Inflammation:  When the gland suffers an inflammation, a condition known as thyroiditis is caused. This causes Goiter.
• Graves’ Disease: This is due to the overproduction of hormones also known as hyperthyroidism.
• Hashimoto’s Disease: This is due to the overproduction of hormones also known as hypothyroidism.
• Nodules: These are cysts that grow on the thyroid gland causing it to enlarge. Nodules are non-cancerous.
• Thyroid Cancer: Cancerous cells on the thyroid can also cause Goiter
• Pregnancy: In some cases, pregnancy leads to enlargement of the thyroid gland and causes Goiter.

Symptoms of Goiter

The symptoms of Goiter are listed below:

• Enlargement of the thyroid gland just below Adam’s apple in the neck area is the most common symptom.
• Tightness in the neck area
• Scratchy and Hoarse voice
• Dizziness

Other less common symptoms include difficulty in breathing, coughing, wheezing, pain in swallowing, tiredness, dry skin, constipation, menstrual irregularities, and weight gain.

Diagnosis of Goiter

Doctors are able to diagnose thyroid goiters by examining the neck of a patient by observing whether it is enlarged or not. To confirm the diagnosis, however, the doctor may prescribe some tests which will include ultrasound, blood tests ( thyroid hormones), and a radioactive scan

Treatment of Thyroid Goiter

The treatment of Thyroid mainly depends on the type of goiter. For instance, if it is caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, patients are required to take a daily medication meant for thyroid hormone replacement. One should intake radioactive iodine or medication viz. a treatment that helps in decreasing the size of the goiter, in the case of Graves disease.

Things to Remember

• Goiter is a disease caused in the human body which causes the thyroid gland to enlarge in the front and side areas of the neck.
• Goiter causes two conditions which are Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
• There are a few different types of goiter that can happen to a person such as Colloid Goiter, Non-Toxic Goiter, and Toxic Goiter.
• Goiter is caused by the deficiency of macronutrients and minerals in the body. 
• The most common deficiency which causes thyroid is iodine deficiency.
• Doctors are able to diagnose thyroid goiters by examining the neck of a patient and through some tests.
• The treatment of Thyroid mainly depends on the type of goiter.