Treatment:

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is prescribed for iodine deficiency. If the iodine content of one's diet can be increased, a person may no longer need thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Persons with a large goiter that persists despite treatment or that restricts swallowing and breathing may need surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland.

If the goiter is producing too much thyroid hormone, treatment with radioactive iodine, antithyroid medication, or surgery may be necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook is good with treatment. A persistent goiter may become toxic, causing symptoms of excess thyroid hormones to develop. Sudden enlargement of a thyroid gland may mean there is internal bleeding or an immune disorder, and requires immediate medical attention.

Complications:

• Thyroid malignancy (cancer)
• Toxic nodular goiter
• Thyrotoxicosis

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if signs of thyrotoxicosis develop:

• Fever
• Increased pulse rate
• Palpitations
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Dry skin
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Shortness of breath