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Goiter

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Symptoms:

The main symptom is a swollen thyroid gland. The size may range from a single small nodule to large neck lump.

The swollen thyroid can put pressure on the windpipe and esophagus, which can lead to:

• Breathing difficulties
• Cough
• Swallowing difficulties
• Wheezing

There may be neck vein swelling and dizziness when the arms are raised above the head.

Signs and tests:

The doctor will feel your neck as you swallow. The doctor may be able to feel swelling in the area.

Tests that may be done include:

• Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
• Free thyroxine (T4)
• Thyroid scan and uptake
• Ultrasound of thyroid -- if nodules are present, a biopsy should be done to check for thyroid cancer

References:

Vanderpas J. Nutritional epidemiology and thyroid hormone metabolism. Ann Rev Nutr. 2006; 26:293-322.

AACE/AME. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Associazione Medici Endocrinologi. Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Nodules. Endocr Pract . 2006 Jan-Feb;12(1):63-102.

• Review Date: 4/26/2007
• Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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