Goiter

Goiter

There is a misconception among the people that all thyroid diseases are goiter, and that this is even the name of the thyroid gland. Goiter is the name given to the enlargement of the thyroid gland. In simple levels of this disease, which is sometimes seen with nodules, there are usually no symptoms. Since swelling on one or both sides of the neck is a visible symptom, it can be said as the most important finding. Let's take a look at the causes before the symptoms.

Causes of goiter

The most important cause of goiter is iodine deficiency. In iodine deficiency, the body's need for hormones increases and goiter may occur. The same is true during pregnancy. Since the people of our country have a high iodine deficiency, the problem of goiter is also very common. On the other hand, other diseases of the thyroid gland such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodule, thyroid inflammation and thyroid cancer can also cause goiter.

Goiter Symptoms

Simple goiters usually do not cause symptoms. Large and nodular goiters;

Swelling on one or both sides of the neck,

Shortness of breath and difficulty in swallowing,

Expansion of the veins in the neck,

In case of sudden growth and internal bleeding, it causes pain.

Nodular Goiter (Thyroid Nodules)

Abnormal tissues formed in the thyroid gland are called thyroid nodules or nodular goiter. Care should be taken as nodules can transform into cancer at a rate of 5 percent. If the nodule continues to grow despite being treated, if there is swelling in the lymph nodes, if there is a thickening of the voice and if it is the type we call a cold nodule, the possibility of cancer should be suspected. Usually the only symptom of nodular goiter is swelling in the neck. If there is bleeding inside the nodule, pain may also be seen. In case of enlargement, it can cause shortness of breath and difficulty in swallowing.

Nodular Goiter Treatment

Nodular goiter is diagnosed with examinations such as biopsy, ultrasound and scintigraphy. The treatment path is determined according to the results of the biopsy. If there is cancer, the diameter of the nodule is larger than 3 cm, it is growing rapidly, and there is swelling in the lymph nodes, surgery may be recommended. Medication can be used for some benign nodules that are not cancerous. Sometimes it is just followed.