Overview
A goitre may be smooth or contain lumps (nodules). Thyroid hormone levels can be normal, high or low. Most goitres are not cancerous.
Symptoms
- Swelling at the front of the neck
- A feeling of tightness in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing with large goitres
- Hoarseness
- Symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid
Causes and risk factors
Causes include iodine deficiency, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, thyroid nodules and pregnancy.
Diagnosis
Tests include thyroid function blood tests, an ultrasound of the neck and, if needed, a fine needle biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and may include monitoring, thyroid medicines, radioactive iodine or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for a neck swelling. Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing or swallowing.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
