Goitre: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Goitre | |||
| image = [[File:Thyroid,_Diffuse_Hyperplasia.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Diffuse hyperplasia of the thyroid gland | |||
| field = [[Endocrinology]] | |||
| synonyms = Struma, thyromegaly | |||
| symptoms = [[Neck swelling]], [[cough]], [[difficulty swallowing]], [[difficulty breathing]] | |||
| complications = [[Hypothyroidism]], [[hyperthyroidism]], [[thyroid cancer]] | |||
| onset = Any age | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = [[Iodine deficiency]], [[Graves' disease]], [[Hashimoto's thyroiditis]], [[thyroid nodules]] | |||
| risks = [[Female]], [[age]], [[family history]], [[radiation exposure]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[ultrasound]], [[thyroid function tests]], [[fine needle aspiration biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Thyroiditis]], [[thyroid cancer]], [[thyroid cyst]] | |||
| prevention = Adequate [[iodine]] intake | |||
| treatment = [[Iodine supplementation]], [[thyroid hormone replacement]], [[radioactive iodine]], [[surgery]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in areas with [[iodine deficiency]] | |||
}} | |||
A goitre is a medical condition that presents as an abnormal enlargement of the [[thyroid gland]], which is located in the neck. This swelling is commonly caused by an [[iodine deficiency]], although other factors can contribute to its development. | A goitre is a medical condition that presents as an abnormal enlargement of the [[thyroid gland]], which is located in the neck. This swelling is commonly caused by an [[iodine deficiency]], although other factors can contribute to its development. | ||
[[File:Thyroid adenoma.jpg|thumb|Thyroid adenoma]] | [[File:Thyroid adenoma.jpg|left|thumb|Thyroid adenoma]] | ||
[[File:Histopathology of colloid goiter.jpg|thumb|Histopathology of colloid goiter]] | [[File:Histopathology of colloid goiter.jpg|left|thumb|Histopathology of colloid goiter]] | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
=== Iodine Deficiency === | === Iodine Deficiency === | ||
The primary cause of goitre worldwide is iodine deficiency. Iodine is a critical element needed by the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones ([[thyroxine (T4)]] and [[triiodothyronine (T3)]]) which regulate the body's metabolic rate. When the intake of iodine is inadequate, the thyroid gland enlarges in an attempt to compensate for the shortage and maintain production of these hormones. | The primary cause of goitre worldwide is iodine deficiency. Iodine is a critical element needed by the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones ([[thyroxine (T4)]] and [[triiodothyronine (T3)]]) which regulate the body's metabolic rate. When the intake of iodine is inadequate, the thyroid gland enlarges in an attempt to compensate for the shortage and maintain production of these hormones. | ||
=== Other Causes === | === Other Causes === | ||
Although iodine deficiency is the most common cause, there are numerous other potential causes of goitre, such as: | Although iodine deficiency is the most common cause, there are numerous other potential causes of goitre, such as: | ||
* [[Hashimoto's thyroiditis]] | * [[Hashimoto's thyroiditis]] | ||
* [[Graves' disease]] | * [[Graves' disease]] | ||
| Line 19: | Line 34: | ||
Certain medications like [[lithium]] and [[amiodarone]] | Certain medications like [[lithium]] and [[amiodarone]] | ||
== Symptoms and Complications == | == Symptoms and Complications == | ||
In many cases, a goitre may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include: | In many cases, a goitre may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include: | ||
* Visible swelling at the base of your neck | * Visible swelling at the base of your neck | ||
* Tightness in the throat | * Tightness in the throat | ||
| Line 28: | Line 41: | ||
* Difficulty breathing | * Difficulty breathing | ||
* In severe cases, goitres can interfere with breathing and swallowing. If left untreated, iodine-deficiency goitres can lead to [[cretinism]] in children and [[myxedema]] in adults. | * In severe cases, goitres can interfere with breathing and swallowing. If left untreated, iodine-deficiency goitres can lead to [[cretinism]] in children and [[myxedema]] in adults. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Goitres are often detected during a physical examination. Diagnostic tests can help confirm the presence of a goitre and determine its cause. These tests may include: | Goitres are often detected during a physical examination. Diagnostic tests can help confirm the presence of a goitre and determine its cause. These tests may include: | ||
* [[Thyroid function test]] | * [[Thyroid function test]] | ||
* Antibody test | * Antibody test | ||
| Line 41: | Line 51: | ||
* [[Fine-needle aspiration biopsy]] | * [[Fine-needle aspiration biopsy]] | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The treatment of goitre largely depends on the underlying cause, size of the goitre, and presence of symptoms. Treatment may involve: | The treatment of goitre largely depends on the underlying cause, size of the goitre, and presence of symptoms. Treatment may involve: | ||
Monitoring: For small goitres that aren't causing physical or cosmetic problems, doctors may suggest a wait-and-see approach. | Monitoring: For small goitres that aren't causing physical or cosmetic problems, doctors may suggest a wait-and-see approach. | ||
Medication: Levothyroxine, a hormone replacement therapy, may be given to shrink the goitre. | Medication: Levothyroxine, a hormone replacement therapy, may be given to shrink the goitre. | ||
| Line 49: | Line 57: | ||
[[Radioactive iodine]]: This treatment, often used in Graves' disease, shrinks the thyroid gland. | [[Radioactive iodine]]: This treatment, often used in Graves' disease, shrinks the thyroid gland. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Iodine deficiency, the primary cause of goitre, can be prevented through the use of iodized salt or dietary supplements. In regions where iodine deficiency is prevalent, public health measures may be taken to add iodine to the water or food supply. | Iodine deficiency, the primary cause of goitre, can be prevented through the use of iodized salt or dietary supplements. In regions where iodine deficiency is prevalent, public health measures may be taken to add iodine to the water or food supply. | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
Latest revision as of 01:52, 7 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
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| Goitre | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Struma, thyromegaly |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Neck swelling, cough, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing |
| Complications | Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer |
| Onset | Any age |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Iodine deficiency, Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid nodules |
| Risks | Female, age, family history, radiation exposure |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, ultrasound, thyroid function tests, fine needle aspiration biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Thyroiditis, thyroid cancer, thyroid cyst |
| Prevention | Adequate iodine intake |
| Treatment | Iodine supplementation, thyroid hormone replacement, radioactive iodine, surgery |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common in areas with iodine deficiency |
| Deaths | N/A |
A goitre is a medical condition that presents as an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck. This swelling is commonly caused by an iodine deficiency, although other factors can contribute to its development.
Causes[edit]
Iodine Deficiency[edit]
The primary cause of goitre worldwide is iodine deficiency. Iodine is a critical element needed by the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)) which regulate the body's metabolic rate. When the intake of iodine is inadequate, the thyroid gland enlarges in an attempt to compensate for the shortage and maintain production of these hormones.
Other Causes[edit]
Although iodine deficiency is the most common cause, there are numerous other potential causes of goitre, such as:
Certain medications like lithium and amiodarone
Symptoms and Complications[edit]
In many cases, a goitre may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Visible swelling at the base of your neck
- Tightness in the throat
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- In severe cases, goitres can interfere with breathing and swallowing. If left untreated, iodine-deficiency goitres can lead to cretinism in children and myxedema in adults.
Diagnosis[edit]
Goitres are often detected during a physical examination. Diagnostic tests can help confirm the presence of a goitre and determine its cause. These tests may include:
- Thyroid function test
- Antibody test
- Ultrasound of the thyroid
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Thyroid scan
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy
Treatment[edit]
The treatment of goitre largely depends on the underlying cause, size of the goitre, and presence of symptoms. Treatment may involve: Monitoring: For small goitres that aren't causing physical or cosmetic problems, doctors may suggest a wait-and-see approach. Medication: Levothyroxine, a hormone replacement therapy, may be given to shrink the goitre. Surgery: Large goitres or those causing symptoms may require surgical removal (thyroidectomy). Radioactive iodine: This treatment, often used in Graves' disease, shrinks the thyroid gland.
Prevention[edit]
Iodine deficiency, the primary cause of goitre, can be prevented through the use of iodized salt or dietary supplements. In regions where iodine deficiency is prevalent, public health measures may be taken to add iodine to the water or food supply.
References[edit]
<references />
