Wola
Objawy

Wola to patologiczne powiększenie gruczołu tarczowego, które może występować w stanie eutyreozy, nadczynności lub niedoczynności tarczycy. Objawia się widocznym lub wyczuwalnym obrzękiem w przedniej części szyi, a w przypadku dużych rozmiarów może powodować objawy uciskowe, takie jak dysfagia, duszność, chrypka czy obrzęk żył szyjnych. Wole może mieć charakter prosty (nietoksyczny), guzkowy lub wieloguzkowy, a także być związane z chorobami autoimmunologicznymi, takimi jak choroba Gravesa-Basedowa (nadczynność tarczycy, wytrzeszcz oczu) czy zapalenie tarczycy Hashimoto (niedoczynność tarczycy). Progresja wola zależy od etiologii, wieku, płci, predyspozycji genetycznych oraz czynników środowiskowych, takich jak niedobór lub nadmiar jodu. W przypadku wola toksycznego może dojść do rozwoju hipertyreozy z objawami takimi jak tachykardia, utrata masy ciała, drżenie rąk i nietolerancja ciepła.

Wola – definicja

Wola (z łac. goitre) to nieprawidłowe powiększenie gruczołu tarczowego, które może być widoczne jako obrzęk lub guz w przedniej części szyi, tuż poniżej jabłka Adama. Wielkość wola może wahać się od ledwo zauważalnej do bardzo dużej. Wola może występować przy prawidłowym poziomie hormonów tarczycy (eutyreoza), przy ich nadmiarze (nadczynność tarczycy) lub niedoborze (niedoczynność tarczycy). Większość przypadków wola jest bezbolesna, jednak w przypadku zapalenia tarczycy (tyreoiditis) może występować ból1.

Główne objawy wola

Najczęstszym i najbardziej charakterystycznym objawem wola jest widoczny obrzęk lub guz w przedniej części szyi12. W wielu przypadkach wola nie powoduje żadnych objawów poza widocznym powiększeniem gruczołu3. Jednak w zależności od wielkości i umiejscowienia wola mogą wystąpić również inne objawy.

Objawy związane z powiększeniem tarczycy

Gdy wole osiąga znaczne rozmiary, może uciskać na sąsiadujące struktury w szyi, powodując następujące objawy45:

Warto zauważyć, że objawy te mogą się rozwijać stopniowo, w miarę jak wole rośnie. W niektórych przypadkach wole może rosnąć powoli przez miesiące lub lata, zanim zostanie zauważone11.

Objawy nadczynności tarczycy towarzyszące wolu

Jeśli wole występuje z nadczynnością tarczycy (hipertyreoza), mogą pojawić się dodatkowe objawy związane z nadmierną produkcją hormonów tarczycy15:

  • Przyspieszona czynność serca (tachykardia) lub nieregularne bicie serca15
  • Niezamierzona utrata wagi pomimo zwiększonego apetytu45
  • Biegunka lub częstsze wypróżnienia112
  • Nadmierne pocenie się bez wysiłku fizycznego14
  • Drżenie rąk113
  • Niepokój, nerwowość413
  • Osłabienie mięśni1314
  • Nietolerancja ciepła45
  • Zmęczenie45
  • Problemy ze snem, bezsenność513
  • Nieregularne cykle miesiączkowe u kobiet515

W chorobie Gravesa-Basedowa, która jest jedną z przyczyn wola i nadczynności tarczycy, mogą też wystąpić charakterystyczne objawy oczne takie jak wytrzeszcz oczu16.

Objawy niedoczynności tarczycy towarzyszące wolu

Gdy wole występuje z niedoczynnością tarczycy (hipotyreoza), pacjent może doświadczać objawów związanych z niewystarczającą produkcją hormonów tarczycy175:

  • Zmęczenie, uczucie osłabienia175
  • Zaparcia174
  • Sucha skóra, włosy i/lub paznokcie175
  • Niewyjaśniony przyrost masy ciała1713
  • Nieregularne miesiączkowanie175
  • Depresja512
  • Uczucie zimna, nietolerancja niskich temperatur45
  • Problemy z pamięcią lub koncentracją518
  • Obniżona częstość akcji serca1319
  • Obrzęk twarzy1418

W zapaleniu tarczycy Hashimoto, które jest częstą przyczyną wola i niedoczynności tarczycy, dochodzi do stopniowego niszczenia gruczołu tarczowego przez własny układ immunologiczny, co prowadzi do powiększenia tarczycy w próbie kompensacji niedoboru hormonów20.

Progresja wola

Rozwój i progresja wola zależą od jego przyczyny, wielkości oraz obecności innych zaburzeń tarczycy17.

Naturalny przebieg wola

Wole proste (nietoksyczne) ma zazwyczaj dobrą prognozę17. W wielu przypadkach wole może pozostać stabilne lub rosnąć bardzo powoli przez wiele lat21. Czasami wole może nawet zniknąć samoistnie, zwłaszcza jeśli przyczyną był przejściowy stan zapalny lub niedobór jodu, który został skorygowany26.

Jednak w niektórych przypadkach wole może systematycznie się powiększać z czasem22. Szybki wzrost wola może być spowodowany krwawieniem do guzka, stanami zapalnymi tarczycy lub nowotworem21. Tego typu szybkie powiększenie tarczycy wymaga natychmiastowej konsultacji lekarskiej23.

Zmiana funkcji tarczycy w czasie

Z czasem, u pacjentów z wolem może dojść do zmian w funkcjonowaniu tarczycy6:

1. Rozwój niedoczynności tarczycy – wole proste może prowadzić do stopniowego rozwoju niedoczynności tarczycy (hipotyreozy) w miarę niszczenia prawidłowej tkanki tarczycy6.

2. Rozwój nadczynności tarczycy – w niektórych przypadkach wole może stać się „toksyczne”, czyli zacząć produkować nadmierne ilości hormonów tarczycy, prowadząc do nadczynności tarczycy (hipertyreozy)624.

3. Rozwój autonomicznych guzków tarczycy – w przypadku wola guzkowego, pojedyncze guzki mogą stać się autonomiczne i produkować hormony tarczycy niezależnie od normalnej regulacji hormonalnej25.

Powikłania związane z wolem

Jeśli wole pozostaje nieleczone i nadal się powiększa, może prowadzić do różnych powikłań17:

  • Nasilenie objawów uciskowych – duże wole może coraz bardziej uciskać tchawicę, przełyk i sąsiadujące struktury, powodując nasilenie trudności w oddychaniu, połykaniu oraz chrypkę1726
  • Zapadnięcie dróg oddechowych – w rzadkich przypadkach bardzo duże wole może spowodować zapadnięcie się dróg oddechowych, co stanowi stan zagrożenia życia27
  • Wole zamostkowe – rozrost tarczycy może rozciągać się za mostek (wole zamostkowe lub substernal), co może powodować dodatkowe problemy z uciskiem struktur w klatce piersiowej2829
  • Zaburzenia czynności tarczycy – wraz z progresją wola mogą rozwinąć się zaburzenia funkcji tarczycy, takie jak nadczynność lub niedoczynność30

W przypadku wola związanego z chorobą Gravesa-Basedowa lub zapaleniem tarczycy Hashimoto, progresja i rokowanie zależą od podstawowej przyczyny powiększenia tarczycy oraz odpowiedzi na leczenie1721.

Specyficzne typy wola i ich przebieg

Wole proste (nietoksyczne)

Wole proste to powiększenie tarczycy, które nie jest związane z nadprodukcją hormonów tarczycy6. Ten typ wola zazwyczaj rozwija się powoli i może pozostać stabilny przez wiele lat21. Pacjenci z wolem prostym często nie mają objawów poza widocznym lub wyczuwalnym guzem w szyi31.

Prognoza dla wola prostego jest zazwyczaj dobra. Może ono ustąpić samoistnie lub pozostać stabilne bez konieczności leczenia22. W niektórych przypadkach może jednak dojść do powolnego powiększania się tarczycy, co może w końcu spowodować objawy uciskowe6.

Wole guzkowe i wieloguzkowe

Wole guzkowe charakteryzuje się obecnością jednego lub wielu guzków w obrębie tarczycy20. Wole wieloguzkowe (multinodular goiter, MNG) jest jedną z najczęstszych przyczyn powiększenia tarczycy32.

Większość woli wieloguzkowych rośnie powoli i może nie powodować żadnych objawów przez długi czas33. Z czasem jednak guzki mogą się powiększać, co może prowadzić do objawów uciskowych32. W niektórych przypadkach jeden lub więcej guzków może stać się autonomiczny i produkować nadmierne ilości hormonów tarczycy, prowadząc do tzw. toksycznego wola wieloguzkowego34.

Wole wieloguzkowe wiąże się z niewielkim (mniej niż 5%) ryzykiem rozwoju raka tarczycy14. Dlatego pacjenci z wolem wieloguzkowym powinni być regularnie monitorowani35.

Wole w chorobie Gravesa-Basedowa

Choroba Gravesa-Basedowa jest jedną z najczęstszych przyczyn wola z towarzyszącą nadczynnością tarczycy20. W tej autoimmunologicznej chorobie układ odpornościowy wytwarza przeciwciała, które stymulują tarczycę do powiększania się i produkcji nadmiernych ilości hormonów tarczycy20.

Wole w chorobie Gravesa-Basedowa zazwyczaj rozwija się stosunkowo szybko i jest zwykle symetryczne i gładkie36. Towarzyszy mu zazwyczaj szereg objawów nadczynności tarczycy, takich jak tachykardia, drżenie rąk, utrata wagi i nietolerancja ciepła5.

Bez leczenia choroba Gravesa-Basedowa może prowadzić do poważnych powikłań, w tym do przełomu tarczycowego – rzadkiego, ale zagrażającego życiu stanu charakteryzującego się ekstremalnie wysokimi poziomami hormonów tarczycy16.

Wole w zapaleniu tarczycy Hashimoto

Zapalenie tarczycy Hashimoto jest najczęstszą przyczyną wola i niedoczynności tarczycy w krajach z wystarczającą podażą jodu20. W tej autoimmunologicznej chorobie układ odpornościowy atakuje i niszczy tkankę tarczycy, co prowadzi do zmniejszonej produkcji hormonów tarczycy20.

Tarczyca próbuje skompensować zmniejszoną produkcję hormonów poprzez powiększanie się, co prowadzi do wola20. Wole w zapaleniu tarczycy Hashimoto zazwyczaj rozwija się powoli i może być nieregularne lub guzkowe37.

Z czasem, gdy coraz więcej tkanki tarczycy ulega zniszczeniu, rozwija się niedoczynność tarczycy z towarzyszącymi objawami, takimi jak zmęczenie, przyrost masy ciała i nietolerancja zimna18. Bez leczenia niedoczynność tarczycy może prowadzić do poważnych powikłań, w tym do chorób serca i problemów w ciąży18.

Czynniki wpływające na progresję wola

Progresja wola może być modyfikowana przez różne czynniki2122:

Czynniki demograficzne i genetyczne

  • Płeć – wole występuje częściej u kobiet niż u mężczyzn, co sugeruje wpływ hormonów płciowych na jego rozwój i progresję3832
  • Wiek – ryzyko rozwoju wola, szczególnie wieloguzkowego, zwiększa się z wiekiem3239
  • Predyspozycje genetyczne – historia rodzinna wola lub innych chorób autoimmunologicznych może zwiększać ryzyko rozwoju wola i wpływać na jego progresję3236

Czynniki środowiskowe

  • Niedobór jodu – w regionach z niedoborem jodu w diecie, wole rozwija się jako mechanizm kompensacyjny38. Suplementacja jodu może zatrzymać lub odwrócić progresję wola w takich przypadkach22
  • Nadmiar jodu – paradoksalnie, nadmiar jodu również może prowadzić do rozwoju wola u osób predysponowanych40
  • Substancje wolotwórcze – niektóre substancje obecne w pożywieniu lub lekach mogą zaburzać produkcję hormonów tarczycy i przyczyniać się do rozwoju wola41
  • Ekspozycja na promieniowanie – napromieniowanie szyi i klatki piersiowej może zwiększać ryzyko rozwoju wola i nowotworów tarczycy41

Ciąża i zmiany hormonalne

Ciąża może wpływać na progresję wola. W niektórych przypadkach może dojść do szybkiego wzrostu wola w czasie ciąży, co może prowadzić nawet do niedrożności dróg oddechowych42. Jest to związane ze zwiększonym zapotrzebowaniem na hormony tarczycy podczas ciąży oraz zmianami immunologicznymi8.

Obecność chorób współistniejących

Choroby autoimmunologiczne, takie jak choroba Gravesa-Basedowa czy zapalenie tarczycy Hashimoto, mogą znacząco wpływać na progresję wola20. Również inne zaburzenia endokrynologiczne, takie jak akromegalia czy zespół Cushinga, mogą modyfikować przebieg wola21.

Monitorowanie i obserwacja wola

Regularne monitorowanie jest kluczowe dla pacjentów z wolem, nawet jeśli nie wymaga ono natychmiastowego leczenia4322.

Zalecenia dotyczące obserwacji

W przypadku małego wola bez zaburzeń funkcji tarczycy i bez niepokojących objawów, lekarze często zalecają podejście „czekaj i obserwuj” z regularnymi badaniami kontrolnymi43. Monitorowanie obejmuje zazwyczaj:

  • Regularne badanie fizykalne szyi w celu oceny rozmiaru i charakterystyki wola43
  • Okresowe badania krwi oceniające funkcję tarczycy (TSH, fT4, fT3)32
  • Badania obrazowe (USG, rzadziej TK lub MRI) w celu monitorowania rozmiaru i struktury wola22
  • W przypadku wola guzkowego, możliwa biopsja cienkoigłowa (BAC) podejrzanych guzków44

Częstotliwość kontroli zależy od przyczyny wola, jego wielkości, tempa wzrostu i obecności objawów towarzyszących22.

Kiedy skonsultować się z lekarzem

Osoby z wolem powinny natychmiast skonsultować się z lekarzem, jeśli zaobserwują2330:

  • Szybkie powiększanie się wola
  • Nasilające się trudności w oddychaniu lub połykaniu
  • Pojawienie się lub nasilenie chrypki
  • Ból lub tkliwość w okolicy tarczycy
  • Objawy nadczynności tarczycy (np. przyspieszone tętno, znaczna utrata wagi, drżenie rąk)
  • Objawy niedoczynności tarczycy (np. skrajne zmęczenie, niewyjaśniony przyrost masy ciała)

Szczególnie niepokojące są objawy sugerujące ucisk na drogi oddechowe, które mogą wymagać natychmiastowej interwencji23.

Objawy alarmowe wymagające pilnej konsultacji

Pewne objawy powinny skłonić pacjenta do natychmiastowego skontaktowania się z lekarzem lub zgłoszenia się na oddział ratunkowy23:

  • Nagłe lub szybko narastające trudności w oddychaniu
  • Świszczący oddech lub stridor (dźwięk o wysokiej częstotliwości podczas oddychania)
  • Silny ból szyi
  • Objawy przełomu tarczycowego, takie jak bardzo wysoka gorączka, skrajne tachykardia, zaburzenia świadomości

Objawy te mogą wskazywać na poważne powikłania wola wymagające natychmiastowej interwencji16.

Podsumowanie progresji wola

Wole to powiększenie gruczołu tarczowego, które może mieć różne przyczyny i różny przebieg1. Głównym objawem wola jest widoczny lub wyczuwalny obrzęk w przedniej części szyi2. W zależności od wielkości i umiejscowienia wola oraz towarzyszących zaburzeń funkcji tarczycy, pacjenci mogą doświadczać różnych objawów, od łagodnych do poważnych3.

Progresja wola zależy od jego przyczyny i może być bardzo zróżnicowana21. Wole proste może pozostać stabilne przez wiele lat lub nawet ustąpić samoistnie6. Wole guzkowe i wieloguzkowe zazwyczaj rośnie powoli, ale z czasem może osiągnąć znaczne rozmiary i powodować objawy uciskowe3332.

Wole związane z chorobą Gravesa-Basedowa lub zapaleniem tarczycy Hashimoto ma przebieg zależny od podstawowej choroby autoimmunologicznej20. Z czasem może dojść do rozwoju nadczynności lub niedoczynności tarczycy z towarzyszącymi objawami175.

Regularne monitorowanie jest istotne dla wszystkich pacjentów z wolem, nawet jeśli początkowo nie wymaga ono leczenia43. Szybkie powiększanie się wola, nasilające się objawy uciskowe lub objawy zaburzeń funkcji tarczycy powinny skłonić pacjenta do natychmiastowej konsultacji lekarskiej23.

Leczenie wola zależy od jego przyczyny, wielkości i objawów towarzyszących. Może obejmować obserwację, suplementację jodu, leczenie hormonalne, radioaktywny jod lub zabieg chirurgiczny22. Odpowiednio leczone wole ma zazwyczaj dobrą prognozę, ale nieleczone może prowadzić do poważnych powikłań24.

Kolejne rozdziały

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Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

  1. 10.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Goiter: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12625-goiter
    Goiter may be associated with an irregular amount of thyroid hormone in your body (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) or with normal levels of thyroid hormone (euthyroid). […] The size of a goiter can range from very small and barely noticeable to very large. Most goiters are painless, but if you have thyroiditis (an inflamed thyroid gland), it can be painful. […] The main symptoms of goiter include: A lump in the front of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. A feeling of tightness in your throat area. Hoarseness (scratchy voice). Neck vein swelling. Dizziness when you raise your arms above your head. […] Some people who have a goiter may also have hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: Rapid heart rate (tachycardia). Unexplained weight loss. Diarrhea. Sweating without exercise or increased room temperature. Shaking. Agitation.
  • #2 Goitre
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/goitre/
    The main symptom of a goitre is a swelling at the front of the neck, which is usually painless. […] You may also have other symptoms including: a cough that does not go away, a hoarse voice or voice changes, feeling like something is stuck in your throat, a wheezing noise when you breathe, finding it hard to swallow or breathe. […] Most goitres are small and do not cause any problems. Sometimes they do not need treatment. […] If your goitre is making breathing and swallowing difficult, you may have surgery to remove some or all of your thyroid.
  • #3 Goiter – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/goiter/symptoms-causes/syc-20351829
    Most people with goiters have no signs or symptoms other than a swelling at the base of the neck. […] Other signs or symptoms depend on whether thyroid function changes, how quickly the goiter grows and whether it obstructs breathing. […] The size or position of a goiter may obstruct the airway and voice box. Signs and symptoms may include: Difficulty swallowing. […] Difficulty breathing with exertion. […] Cough. […] Hoarseness. […] Snoring. […] Changes in the production of thyroid hormones that may be associated with goiters have the potential for causing complications in multiple body systems.
  • #4 Goiter: Causes, treatment, types, and symptoms
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/167559
    A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland that causes swelling in the neck. There are various possible causes, but it can be a sign that the thyroid gland is producing too much or too little thyroid hormone. A person may notice tightness in the throat and difficulty swallowing. […] In most cases, the only symptom of a goiter is a swelling in the neck. The swelling may be large enough to feel with the hand. […] The degree of swelling and the severity of symptoms produced by the goiter depend on the individual. […] When other symptoms occur, the following are most common: throat tightness, cough, and hoarseness; trouble swallowing; in severe cases, difficulty breathing. […] Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, can cause symptoms such as nervousness, palpitations, hyperactivity, increased sweating, heat hypersensitivity, fatigue, increased appetite, hair loss, weight loss. […] Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can cause symptoms such as an intolerance to the cold, constipation, forgetfulness, personality changes, hair loss, weight gain.
  • #5 Goiter > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine
    https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/goiter
    Goiter typically presents as a swelling in the lower portion of the front of the neck. The swelling may be smooth or irregular, large or small, tender or painless, and symmetrical or larger on one side. It usually isn’t a painful condition, but it may cause discomfort, particularly when the goiter is large. […] Other symptoms may include: Difficulty swallowing, Choking sensation, Voice hoarseness, Coughing, Noisy breathing, Trouble breathing, Snoring, Neck veins that bulge, Dizziness. […] Symptoms that may accompany a goitrous swelling caused by hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) include: Anxiety or nervousness, Weight loss, Diarrhea, Fatigue, Shakiness, Weakness, Fast or irregular heartbeat, Feeling winded from physical activity, Irregular menstrual cycles, Sleep problems, Feeling sweaty or heat intolerance. […] Symptoms that may accompany a goitrous condition caused by hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) include: Depression, Weight gain, Constipation, Dry skin, hair and/or nails, Irregular menstrual cycles, Fatigue, Feeling cold, Memory or concentration problems.
  • #6 Simple goiter: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaLock
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001178.htm
    A simple goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. It is usually not a tumor or cancer. […] The main symptom is an enlarged thyroid gland. The size may range from a single small nodule to a large mass at the front of the neck. […] Some people with a simple goiter may have symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland. […] In rare cases, an enlarged thyroid can put pressure on the windpipe (trachea) and food tube (esophagus). This can lead to: Breathing difficulties (with very large goiters), especially when lying flat on the back or when reaching up with your arms, Cough, Hoarseness, Swallowing difficulties, especially with solid food, Pain in the area of the thyroid. […] A simple goiter may disappear on its own, or may become larger. Over time, the thyroid gland may stop making enough thyroid hormone. This condition is called hypothyroidism. […] In some cases, a goiter becomes toxic and produces thyroid hormone on its own. This can cause high levels of thyroid hormone, a condition called hyperthyroidism.
  • #7 Goiter: Causes, Types, and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/goiter-simple
    Goiter is a condition that increases the size of your thyroid gland, and may affect way its function. Its often identifiable by swelling in your neck. […] The primary symptom of a goiter is noticeable swelling in your neck. If you have nodules on your thyroid, they may range in size from very small to very large. The presence of nodules may increase the appearance of swelling. […] Other symptoms include the following: difficulty swallowing or breathing, coughing, hoarseness in your voice, dizziness when you raise your arm above your head. […] Many goiters disappear with treatment, while others may increase in size. Speak with your doctor if your symptoms increase or become worse. […] If your thyroid continues to make more hormones than you need, this can lead to hyperthyroidism. Not making enough hormones may lead to hypothyroidism.
  • #8 Thyroid disease
    https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/thyroid-disease
    A goiter is an unusually enlarged thyroid gland. It may happen only for a short time and may go away on its own without treatment. Or it could be a symptom of another thyroid disease that requires treatment. goiter is more common in women than in men and especially in women before menopause. […] Usually, the only symptom of a goiter is a swelling in your neck. It may be large enough that you can see it or feel the lump with your hand. A very large goiter can also cause a tight feeling in your throat, coughing, or problems swallowing or breathing. […] Your doctor will do tests to see if it is caused by another thyroid disease.
  • #9 Thyroid Goiter
    https://www.thyroidcancer.com/thyroid-goiter
    Goiter means „big thyroid”. Thyroid Goiter means the same thing–the thyroid has grown to a large size. A large thyroid goiter can push on the other structures in the neck causing symptoms discussed on this page. Most thyroid goiters are painless, but they may produce symptoms due to their size itself. The most common symptom from a thyroid goiter is a lump in the neck. Other symptoms from a large thyroid goiter may include a sense of a lump in the throat, difficultly swallowing, difficulty breathing and even in extreme cases, voice changes and even vocal cord paralysis. […] Most thyroid goiters don’t cause symptoms, but they will if the goiter continues to grow. The symptoms occur as the goiter becomes big enough that it presses on other structures in the neck. Larger thyroid goiters most commonly produce symptoms of a mass or lump in the neck, uncomfortable pressure sensation on the breathing tube (trachea), a sense of feeling like you need to swallow something or difficulty swallowing, and excess production of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine which include unexplained weight loss, heat intolerance, tremor, nervousness, and rapid or irregular heart rate.
  • #10 Goitre – disease, treatment, thyroid | healthdirect
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/goitre
    Goitre can show as an obvious lump or swelling in your neck. Goitres are usually painless, but it can feel sore or tender around your thyroid area. […] A large goitre can press on your windpipe or your oesophagus (food pipe). This can cause: difficulty swallowing, a hoarse voice, a cough, breathing problems, snoring, dizziness. […] Goitres can also affect how much thyroid hormone you make.
  • #11 Goiters and Thyroid Nodules (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth
    https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/goiter.html
    An enlarged thyroid gland can be felt as a lump under the skin at the front of the neck. When it is large enough to see easily, it’s called a goiter. […] A goiter is most often spotted because it’s in the very front of the neck and moves up and down when a person swallows. People with a goiter might have the sensation that food is stuck in the throat, especially when they lie down or sleep on their backs. […] But goiters often grow very slowly over months and years before being noticed. It can be hard even for parents who pay close attention to notice the change early. […] Sometimes a nodule can appear in a healthy gland. It may feel like a lump in the throat, or cause tenderness or pain in the front of the neck. A large nodule might be visible at the front of the neck. Some kids with thyroid nodules have pain in the front of the neck or feel like they have a lump in the throat.
  • #12 Goitre | Better Health Channel
    https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/goitre
    A goitre is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. […] The symptoms of a goitre include: Enlargement of the throat, ranging from a small lump to a huge mass. […] Swallowing problems, if the goitre is large enough to press on the oesophagus. […] Breathing problems, if the goitre is large enough to press on the windpipe (trachea). […] Hyperthyroidism means the thyroid gland is overactive. […] The goitre is caused by this massive overstimulation. […] Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism include a racing and irregular heart, restlessness, unexplained weight loss, heat intolerance and diarrhoea. […] Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is underactive. […] The thyroid gland enlarges as it attempts to comply. […] Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism include low energy, depression, cold intolerance and constipation. […] Sometimes, the thyroid gland is enlarged because of cancer. […] Chronic goitre – persistent enlargement of the thyroid gland.
  • #13 What Is a Goiter? What Causes Goiters?
    https://www.webmd.com/women/understanding-goiter-basics
    The symptoms of a goiter include swelling at the front base of the neck, ranging from a small lump or multiple nodules to a general enlargement on one or both sides of your neck. […] If you have a toxic goiter with hyperthyroidism, you might have: Sweating, Diarrhea, Nausea, A fast pulse or heartbeat, Shakiness or hand tremors, Weight loss despite an increased appetite, High blood pressure, An overheated feeling, Nervousness, Muscle weakness. […] If you have hypothyroidism, you could notice: Dry skin, Tiredness, Weight gain, Constipation, An irregular period, Slowed physical and mental functions, Depression, A lower heart rate, A cold feeling, Tingling or numbness in your hands.
  • #14 Multinodular Goitre | Dr. Farid Meybodi, Breast & Endocrine Surgeon, Bella Vista NSW
    https://www.drfaridmeybodi.com.au/multinodular-goitre.html
    If the nodules produce excessive thyroid hormones, you may exhibit symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as: Sudden and unexplained weight loss, Nervousness, Muscle weakness, Increased appetite, Trouble sleeping, Rapid or irregular heartbeat, Hand tremors, Excessive sweating. […] In some instances, thyroid nodules occur in patients with Hashimotos disease, an autoimmune condition that escalates the chances of developing hypothyroidism, producing symptoms of hypothyroidism such as: Dry skin, Hair loss, Swelling in the face, Intolerance to cold, Fatigue, Unintentional weight gain.
  • #14 Multinodular Goitre | Dr. Farid Meybodi, Breast & Endocrine Surgeon, Bella Vista NSW
    https://www.drfaridmeybodi.com.au/multinodular-goitre.html
    Goitre is defined as an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. Multinodular goitre is the presence of multiple nodules or bumps on an abnormally enlarged thyroid gland. These thyroid nodules are common, harmless, and mostly noncancerous. However, sometimes, these nodules can cause the thyroid gland to produce excessive thyroid hormone resulting in a condition called hyperthyroidism. Multinodular goitres like solitary thyroid nodule are also linked with small (less than 5%) risk of thyroid cancer. […] Multinodular goitres generally do not cause any symptoms; however, if the nodules enlarge in size and compress other structures in the neck, it may lead to: Pain at the base of the neck, Breathing difficulties, Swallowing difficulties, Hoarseness in voice, A feeling of food stuck in the throat.
  • #15 Multinodular Goiter | BIDMC of Boston
    https://www.bidmc.org/conditions-and-treatments/diabetes-and-endocrine/multinodular-goiter
    A multinodular goiter is an enlarged thyroid caused by multiple thyroid nodules. […] Most multinodular goiters are not toxic and do not cause symptoms. Patients with a multinodular goiter would show symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which include: Nervousness and irritability, Increased resting heart rate, Heat intolerance and increased sweating, Tremor, Weight loss or changes in appetite, Frequent bowel movements, Sudden paralysis, Thyroid enlargement (lump in the neck), Thick redness on the front of legs, which occurs with Graves’ Disease, Thin, delicate skin and irregular fingernail and hair growth, Decreased menstrual flow, Impaired fertility, Mental disturbances, Sleep disturbances (including insomnia).
  • #16 Overactive thyroid | NHS inform
    https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/glands/overactive-thyroid/
    Excess levels of thyroid hormones can then speed up the bodys metabolism, triggering a range of symptoms, such as: […] swelling of the thyroid gland, which causes a noticeable lump, known as a goitre, to form in the throat. […] The severity, frequency and range of symptoms can vary from person to person. […] An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) has many signs and symptoms, although it is unlikely you would develop all of them. […] If you have hyperthyroidism, you may experience some of the following symptoms: […] a swelling in your neck caused by an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre). […] Several complications can occur with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), particularly if the condition is not treated. […] If you have Graves disease, you may have problems with your eyes. This is known as Graves ophthalmopathy and is thought to be caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the tissues of the eyes. […] An undiagnosed or poorly controlled overactive thyroid can lead to a rare but serious reaction called a thyroid storm. […] Symptoms of a thyroid storm include: […] a very rapid heartbeat (over 140 beats a minute).
  • #17 Goiter: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12625-goiter
    Some people with goiter may also have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Symptoms of hypothyroidism include: Fatigue (feeling tired). Constipation. Dry skin. Unexplained weight gain. Abnormal menstruation (periods). […] Simple goiter has a good prognosis. If your thyroid continues to enlarge, it may compress the surrounding structures and may cause difficulty in breathing and swallowing and hoarseness. […] If the goiter is a sign of another thyroid disease, like Graves disease or Hashimotos disease, the prognosis depends on the underlying cause of your thyroid enlargement.
  • #18 Underactive thyroid | NHS inform
    https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/glands/underactive-thyroid/
    Common signs of an underactive thyroid are tiredness, weight gain and feeling depressed. […] Symptoms of an underactive thyroid are often similar to those of other conditions, and they usually develop slowly, so you may not notice them for years. […] Symptoms usually develop slowly and you may not realise you have a medical problem for several years. […] Common symptoms include: tiredness, being sensitive to cold, weight gain, constipation, depression, slow movements and thoughts, muscle aches and weakness, muscle cramps, dry and scaly skin, brittle hair and nails, loss of libido (sex drive), pain, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hand and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome), irregular periods or heavy periods. […] If an underactive thyroid isn’t treated, it can lead to complications, including heart disease, goitre, pregnancy problems and a life-threatening condition called myxoedema coma (although this is very rare). […] A goitre is an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland that causes a lump to form in the throat. Goitres can develop in people with an underactive thyroid when the body tries to stimulate the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormones.
  • #19 Symptoms of Goiter: Types, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
    https://www.starhealth.in/symptoms/goiter-symptoms/
    In case you suffer from hypothyroidism, you will also be aware of the following: Dry skin, Fatigue, Irritation of the menstrual cycle, Weight gain, Constipation, Lower activities and thought process, Depression, Decreased heart rate, Feeling numb in your limbs, Numbness in your hands. […] Goitre diagnosis is usually made by the doctor’s simple visual inspection of the neck. After that, you need additional tests to find out the cause and its effects, as well as possibly further action for treatment, if required. […] The goal of goitre treatment is to normalize the levels of thyroid, thereby lessening goitre. Goitre treatment without surgery can also be done. However, a decision on treatment is made by the doctor, depending on what causes the goitre and how severe it is.
  • #20 Goiter | American Thyroid Association
    https://www.thyroid.org/goiter/
    WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A GOITER? The term goiter simply refers to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. A goiter indicates there is a condition present which is causing the thyroid to grow abnormally. […] Hashimotos thyroiditis is a more common cause of goiter formation in the US. This is an autoimmune condition in which there is destruction of the thyroid gland by ones own immune system. As the gland becomes more damaged, it is less able to make adequate supplies of thyroid hormone. The pituitary gland senses a low thyroid hormone level and secretes more TSH to stimulate the thyroid. This stimulation causes the thyroid to grow, which may produce a goiter. […] Another common cause of goiter is Graves disease. In this case, ones immune system produces a protein, called thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI). As with TSH, TSI stimulates the thyroid gland to enlarge producing a goiter. However, TSI also stimulates the thyroid to make too much thyroid hormone (causes hyperthyroidism).
  • #20 Goiter | American Thyroid Association
    https://www.thyroid.org/goiter/
    Multinodular goiters are another common cause of goiters. Individuals with this disorder have one or more nodules within the gland which cause thyroid enlargement. […] Many goiters, such as the multinodular goiter, are associated with normal levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. These goiters usually do not require any specific treatment after the appropriate diagnosis is made. If no specific treatment is suggested, you may be warned that you are at risk for becoming hypothyroid or hyperthyroid in the future. However, if there are problems associated with the size of the thyroid per se, such as the goiter getting so large that it constricts the airway, your doctor may suggest that the goiter be treated by surgical removal.
  • #21 Goiter – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562161/
    Patients with goiter commonly present to outpatient facilities with a variety of complaints. […] Goiter, either simple or nodular, or either nontoxic or toxic can majorly impact a patient’s quality of life and well-being and can have long-term physical and cosmetic health effects. […] Goiter can be associated with euthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism. […] The growth rate is usually slow and patients accommodate the enlarging thyroid at is a usual anatomic place very well without any sign or symptoms except for esthetical complaints or if the thyroid grows inferiorly to the thoracic cavity. […] Rapid growth may be due to hemorrhage into a nodule, inflammatory thyroid disorders, or malignancy. […] Large goiters or rapidly enlarging goiters can cause obstructive or compressive symptoms. […] If the goiter continues to enlarge, surgical treatment should be considered. […] If the goiter is a sign of another thyroid disease like Graves disease or Hashimoto thyroiditis, the prognosis depends on the underlying cause of thyroid enlargement.
  • #22 Goitre Causes, investigation and management
    https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2012/august/goitre
    Patients with goitre may be asymptomatic, or may present with compressive symptoms such as cough or dysphagia. […] Goitre may also present with symptoms due to associated hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. […] Nodular goitre is most often detected simply as a mass in the neck, but an enlarging gland may also produce pressure symptoms on the trachea and the oesophagus. As well as discomfort, there may be difficulty in breathing, dysphagia, cough and hoarseness. […] Symptoms suggesting obstruction of the trachea may occur. These include cough, stridor and shortness of breath. […] Symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may be evident at presentation. […] Potential treatment options for goitre will depend on the cause and the clinical picture. Options include observation, iodine supplementation, thyroxine suppression, thionamides (carbimazole or propylthiouracil), radioactive iodine (I131) ablation and surgery.
  • #22 Goitre Causes, investigation and management
    https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2012/august/goitre
    Patients with an asymptomatic euthyroid goitre can usually be observed without specific treatment. […] Growth preventing intervention is usually unnecessary, as benign nodules usually grow quite slowly. […] Controlled trials have shown a beneficial effect of thyroxine treatment for both diffuse goitres and thyroid nodules. […] A goitre reduction of 20-40% can be achieved, but results are variable and potential long term harms of TSH suppression warrant consideration. […] Radioactive iodine is another option and reduces goitre size by about 50% in the majority of patients over 6-12 months. […] Surgery is appropriate in patients who have troubling compressive symptoms and/or fail to respond to medical therapy.
  • #23 Goiter – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
    https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/thyroid-disorders/goiter
    Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms of goiter, such as difficulty breathing. […] Seek prompt medical care for persistent or uncomfortable goiter, as leaving goiter untreated may lead to either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. […] The primary symptom of goiter is a swelling or lump on the front of the neck, which is due to an enlarged thyroid. In mild cases, goiter causes no other symptoms and thyroid function may be normal. In more serious cases, pressure from the goiter can interfere with swallowing, chewing or speaking. Other symptoms of goiter are related to dysfunction of the thyroid and hormone imbalance. […] In some cases, goiter can be a serious condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these serious symptoms including: Difficulty breathing, Difficulty swallowing, Palpable nodules, Pain or tenderness, Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as protruding eyes, unexplained weight loss, heat intolerance, and perspiration, Symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as depression, weakness, and unexplained weight gain.
  • #24 Nontoxic Goiter – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482274/
    A non-toxic goiter is a benign entity and only causes aesthetic problems. However, if the size is large, it may compress the trachea, laryngeal nerves, and the esophagus. Most benign goiters have an excellent prognosis. A small percentage may cause hyperthyroidism and some may become malignant, hence life long surveillance is necessary. In people with compression, after surgical removal, the tracheal narrowing reverses and results in improved lung function. […] Large goiters may cause: Hyperthyroidism (Job basedow phenomenon), Tracheal compression, May transform into a malignancy, Bleed in the neck, May become infected.
  • #25 Thyroid Goiter – Endocrine Surgery | UCLA Health
    https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/surgery/endocrine-surgery/patient-resources/patient-education/endocrine-surgery-encyclopedia/thyroid-goiter
    A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. It is not cancer. […] Symptoms: Thyroid enlargement varying from a single small nodule to massive enlargement (neck lump). Breathing difficulties, cough, or wheezing due to compression of the windpipe. Swallowing difficulties due to compression of the esophagus. Neck vein distention and dizziness when the arms are raised above the head. […] A goiter is a benign (harmless) process. A simple goiter may disappear on its own, or may become large. Over time, hypothyroidism (not enough thyroid hormone) may develop due to destruction of the normal thyroid tissue. This can be treated with medications to replace the thyroid hormone. […] Occasionally, a goiter may progress to a toxic nodular goiter when a nodule is making thyroid hormone on its own. This can cause hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) and can be treated with radioactive iodine to destroy the nodule. […] A simple goiter may progress to a toxic nodular goiter.
  • #26 GOITER – SYMPTOMS, CAUSES AND DIAGNOSIS | Mya Care
    https://myacare.com/blog/goiter-symptoms-causes-and-diagnosis
    Goiter is the medical condition when the thyroid gland in your neck is enlarged. […] Other than the obvious neck mass that defines a goiter, this enlargement can cause several symptoms that would make treatment necessary even in the absence of hormonal disorders or suspicion of malignancy. These symptoms are generally related to mass effect, that is when the enlarged thyroid compresses the surrounding structures: Difficulty when swallowing, Difficulty breathing, Coughing, Hoarseness of the voice, Swelling of your neck veins, Dizziness when you raise your arms above your head. […] Depending on the underlying cause, you might have symptoms related to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. People who have hyperthyroid disorders such as Graves disease would have signs that indicate high metabolism, like a rapid heart rate, weight loss, tremors, agitation, diarrhea, and heat intolerance. […] In people who have a hypothyroid disorder, you would expect the opposite: fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and constipation.
  • #27 MyThyroid.com: Thyroid Enlargment
    https://www.mythyroid.com/thyroidenlargement.html
    A sudden appearance of an enlarged thyroid does not always herald bad news. Many patients with sudden thyroid enlargement may have a small hemorrhage in the thyroid, leading to expansion and enlargement of the thyroid due to blood filling a nodule. Similarly, patients with thyroid inflammation, such as subacute thyroiditis, may also experience rapid enlargement of the thyroid, in association with symptoms of a viral illness (fever, malaise, neck pain etc). To differentiate among these possibilities, patients who have symptoms or who notice rapid thyroid enlargement should see their physician promptly for appropriate assessment and investigations. […] In rare instances, a very large thyroid gland (goiter) can cause compression of local structures in the neck, such as the airway (trachea). If this problem continues to worsen, patients may experience shortness of breath, which can develop quite rapidly if damage to the trachea causes collapse of the airway. Patients with large goiters may need to have their airway examined, through the use of imaging studies such as a chest X-Ray, or preferably an airway echogram, MRI, or CT scan. If significant narrowing of the trachea is detected, treatment options include surgery, and less often, possibly radioactive iodine in patients who are not considered ideal surgical candidates.
  • #28 Substernal Goiters: Diagnosis and Treatment of Substernal goiters
    https://www.thyroidcancer.com/goiters/substernal-goiters
    Goiter means big thyroid and a thyroid goiter means the same thing. A substernal goiter is a condition where there is an abnormal enlargement of your thyroid gland that extends into the chest. Most thyroid goiters do not produce any pain, but they may produce symptoms due to their size itself. The most common symptom from a thyroid goiter is a lump or mass in the neck. However, substernal goiters may not produce a lump in the neck because they may not grow outward. Their symptoms are often late in development until they produce pressure from the lack of ability of the sternum to allow expansion of the goiter. Other symptoms from a substernal goiter may include a sense of a lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing and even in extreme cases, voice changes and even vocal cord paralysis.
  • #29 Substernal Goiters: Diagnosis and Treatment of Substernal goiters
    https://www.thyroidcancer.com/goiters/substernal-goiters
    The most common symptoms associated with substernal goiter are: difficulty breathing, stridor, hoarseness, cough, wheezing, presence of a bothersome cervical mass, difficulty swallowing (feeling like something needs to be swallowed but does not move), Pembertons sign (trouble breathing, stridor, facial flushing in certain positions). […] Usually respiratory symptoms are more common, but difficulty swallowing can occur in up to one third of patients. […] Some patients will complain of trouble breathing, stridor, or facial flushing only when they are laying down flat, when their arms are raised or when their neck is extended, or when they are looking to the right or the left.
  • #30 Goiter: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and More
    https://www.health.com/goiter-overview-7553735
    Depending on the type of goiter you have, you may have additional symptoms related to a thyroid hormone imbalance. Symptoms of a hormonal imbalance can include: Unintended weight gain or weight loss, Fatigue, Difficulty sleeping, Irritability, Rapid heart rate, Anxiety. […] If you notice swelling in your neck or have other symptoms of a goiter, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for proper testing. […] If you have an underactive or overactive thyroid, thyroid hormone replacement therapy and anti-thyroid medications can help treat goiter and restore your thyroid hormone levels. […] The goal of treating a goiter is to restore normal thyroid function, reduce the size of the thyroid gland, relieve symptoms, and address the underlying cause of your condition. […] If left untreated, a goiter can lead to complications especially if the condition affects your thyroid hormone levels. Potential goiter complications include: Difficulty swallowing or breathing: Large goiters can compress the trachea (windpipe) or esophagus (food pipe), causing symptoms like difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing food, or hoarseness. […] If you notice swelling or tenderness in your neck, it’s good practice to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms. In some cases, an enlarged thyroid gland can be a sign of an underlying thyroid condition, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
  • #31 Simple Nontoxic Goiter – Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/thyroid-gland-disorders/simple-nontoxic-goiter
    People typically notice a swelling at the base of the neck but have no other symptoms. […] Sometimes the goiter presses on nearby tissue and causes cough, hoarseness, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. […] Unlike people with subacute thyroiditis, the thyroid gland in those with simple nontoxic goiter usually is not painful and tender to the touch.
  • #32 Multinodular goitre | Endocrine Conditions
    https://www.yourhormones.info/endocrine-conditions/multinodular-goitre/
    Goitre is a general term for an enlarged thyroid gland. Multinodular goitre is where the enlarged thyroid appears with a number of separate lumps (nodules) in the gland. […] The following risk factors have been identified: iodine deficiency, female gender, increasing age and family history of multinodular goitre. […] In many cases, multinodular goitres appear as a lump in the front of the neck and can be visible even if the thyroid is working normally (i.e. the person is euthyroid). Usually, multinodular goitre is not visible and is only discovered when a patient is being examined or scanned for other reasons as in majority of cases they do not cause any symptoms. […] Very large goitres may be associated with difficulty with swallowing or breathing, hoarseness of the voice or a tight feeling around the throat and can, in some cases, require surgical removal. Less commonly, multinodular goitre can cause pain or discomfort from a rapid increase in size. This may be due to a sudden build-up of fluid or blood within a nodule or very rarely, due to a tumour. […] A multinodular goitre that is not causing any symptoms, is unlikely to cause problems in the long term. It is, however, important that thyroid function tests are performed by the doctor periodically to determine whether any future treatment is needed.
  • #33 Multinodular Goiter | Columbia Surgery
    https://columbiasurgery.org/conditions-and-treatments/multinodular-goiter
    Most multinodular goiters do not cause symptoms and are discovered on routine physical exam or during a test being done for another reason. […] If the goiter is large enough, patients may have compressive symptoms that can include difficulty breathing (especially when lying flat), food or pills getting „stuck” in the throat, choking sensation, or a fullness in the neck. These symptoms most commonly happen if the goiter is growing down into the chest, called a substernal goiter. If the goiter is large enough, it may be visible. […] The appropriate treatment of a multinodular goiter depends on the size, how fast it is growing, the FNAB results, risk of cancer, if there are compressive symptoms, and whether the goiter is big enough to be cosmetically unappealing. In general, if the goiter is growing quickly, growing steadily over time, is concerning for cancer, is causing compressive symptoms, is growing substernally, or is cosmetically unappealing, it should be removed (i.e. thyroidectomy).
  • #34 Multinodular Goiter: Causes, Treatment, Complications, and More
    https://www.healthline.com/health/multinodular-goiter
    Most multinodular goiters dont cause any symptoms and are discovered during a routine physical exam. […] If you have a toxic multinodular goiter, which makes too much thyroid hormone, you might have symptoms of hyperthyroidism. These include: sudden and unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, increased appetite, nervousness or anxiety, tremors, usually in your hands, sweating, increased sensitivity to heat. […] A multinodular goiter that grows large can also cause symptoms, especially if it starts to grow into your chest. Symptoms of a large goiter include: difficulty breathing or swallowing, feeling like you have food stuck in your throat, having a full feeling in your neck. […] Very large goiters might also be visible in your neck. […] Multinodular goiters do increase your chance of developing thyroid cancer, but they can be treated with medication, radioactive iodine, or surgery depending on the type, if necessary. While they can cause or be related to other conditions, typically multinodular goiters themselves arent a life-threatening condition.
  • #35 Goiter: Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology, Epidemiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/120034-overview
    A goiter may present in various ways, including the following: […] Local compression causing dysphagia, dyspnea, stridor, plethora, or hoarseness […] Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism […] Benign goiters have a good prognosis. However, all goiters should be monitored by examination and biopsy for possible malignant transformation, which may be signaled by a sudden change in size, pain, or consistency. […] A small percentage of multinodular goiters do cause hyperthyroidism. Lifelong surveillance is necessary. […] A study by Sorensen et al found that patients with symptomatic benign nodular goiter who underwent thyroidectomy experienced improvements in tracheal anatomy, inspiratory flow, and health-related quality of life. […] A study by Chaves et al using the ThyPRO questionnaire indicated that multiple aspects of health-related quality of life improve following surgery in patients with benign non-toxic goiter.
  • #36 A Growing Goiter | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2024/0600/photo-quiz-growing-goiter.html
    A 27-year-old woman presented with a mass on the front of her neck that had enlarged over the past few months. The mass was not tender or painful, but the patient had occasional dysphagia. She reported new symptoms, including irregular menses, heat intolerance, and increased anxiety and appetite. Physical examination revealed tachycardia with a heart rate of 120 beats per minute and a goiter that was diffusely enlarged and nontender. In Graves disease, thyroid-stimulating antibodies agonize the TSH receptor. This leads to overproduction of the T4 hormone, causing hyperplasia of the thyroid gland with a resultant goiter that is diffuse and nontender. […] The answer is B: Graves disease. This autoimmune disorder is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States, accounting for 60% to 80% of cases. It occurs in 20 to 50 out of 100,000 adults and is more common in women than men. Risk factors include a family history of the condition, other autoimmune diseases, stress, smoking, infection, and iodine exposure.
  • #37 19+ Signs You Have Thyroid Problems
    https://thesurgicalclinics.com/signs-thyroid-isnt-working-right/
    A goiter occurs when the thyroid gland begins to swell due to the overproduction of hormones. Typically, the thyroid needs adequate levels of iodine. However, if you don’t have enough iodine, your body will try to compensate for what’s missing, and the thyroid swells. A goiter can form with one nodule or several nodules, and this is known as a multinodular goiter. […] If you develop a goiter, you must take iodine supplements and possibly consider surgery. It is worth noting that a multinodular goiter may require more extensive treatment than a single nodule goiter. If you have been diagnosed with a multinodular goiter, your doctor will likely recommend monitoring the size of the nodules over time to ensure that they are not growing too large. […] Symptoms of a goiter include: a tight feeling around your throat, hoarseness, coughing, trouble swallowing. […] Hashimoto’s thyroiditis often causes goiters. This condition is an autoimmune disorder that affects millions of Americans. Specifically, this disorder causes inflammation and damage to the thyroid. As a result, the body tries to compensate by causing the thyroid gland to grow.
  • #38 Goitre – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goitre
    A goitre can present as a palpable or visible enlargement of the thyroid gland at the base of the neck. […] A goitre, if associated with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, may be present with symptoms of the underlying disorder. For hyperthyroidism, the most common symptoms are associated with adrenergic stimulation: tachycardia (increased heart rate), palpitations, nervousness, tremor, increased blood pressure and heat intolerance. […] Hypothyroid people commonly have poor appetite, cold intolerance, constipation, lethargy and may undergo weight gain. However, these symptoms are often non-specific and make diagnosis difficult. […] Goitre is more common among women, but this includes the many types of goitre caused by autoimmune problems, and not only those caused by simple lack of iodine. […] Goitre was previously common in many areas that were deficient in iodine in the soil. […] In various regions around the world, particularly in mountainous areas, the prevalence of goiter was linked to iodine deficiency in the diet.
  • #39 Toxic multinodular goitre – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice
    https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/714
    Toxic multinodular goitre is most common in older patients. […] Onset of symptoms is more insidious and symptoms less dramatic than for Graves’ disease. Patients may have apathetic hyperthyroidism (minimal signs/symptoms) or sub-clinical hyperthyroidism (isolated thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression). […] If untreated, complications may include sequelae of hyperthyroidism, such as cardiac dysfunction or bone loss, or tracheal compression by large goitres. […] Other diagnostic factors include heat intolerance, hyperphagia, or weight loss, depression, nervousness or palpitations, oligomenorrhoea, hyperdefecation, stare or lid lag, warm, moist skin, tachycardia, irregular pulse, tremor, muscle weakness, shortness of breath or choking sensation, Pemberton’s sign.
  • #40 Goiter in Animals – Endocrine System – MSD Veterinary Manual
    https://www.msdvetmanual.com/endocrine-system/the-thyroid-gland/goiter-in-animals
    Many animals with goiter appear to maintain euthyroid status; however, clinical signs of hypothyroidism may develop in some individuals, especially neonates. […] Goiter that is due to iodine deficiency is most common in neonatal pigs, lambs, and calves in areas with iodine-deficient soil. The thyroid lobes of the young animal usually are at least twice their normal size, soft, and dark red. Severe cases are accompanied by a lack of hair (especially in pigs) or wool (lambs). The neck is usually grossly enlarged, and the skin and other tissue may be thickened, flabby, and edematous. […] Goiter and hypothyroidism can occur in foals of dams fed excess iodine during gestation. […] Clinical signs of iodine toxicosis vary and can include the following: goiter, weakness, musculoskeletal abnormalities.
  • #41 What is a Goiter – Northwest Thyroid Center
    https://www.the-thyroid-surgeon.com/what-is-a-goiter/
    Anyone can get a goiter. It is more common in women, people over the age of 50, people living in iodine deficient areas, people with a family history of autoimmune disease, people who have had radiation exposure to the neck or chest, and people taking certain medications such as lithium, amiodarone, antiretrovirals, or immunosuppressants. […] The treatment of goiter depends on the specific cause. Often, the goiter is not causing any problems and observation is the only necessary intervention. If the goiter is resulting in too much thyroid hormone, medications such as methimazole or propylthiouracil may be used. If there is too little thyroid hormone, a medication called levothyroxine or Synthroid is commonly prescribed. Radioactive iodine may be used to kill overactive thyroid gland cells. Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland is also done in certain cases. There should be at least yearly follow-up of all people diagnosed with goiter regardless of the cause and even if no specific therapy is given.
  • #42 Goitres – Dr. Francis Hall
    https://www.drfrancishall.co.nz/goitres/
    In summary a goitre may cause: No symptoms, A pressure feeling in the neck, Feeling of a lump in the neck / throat, A visible mass or be invisible, Dysphagia, Shortness of breath, Orthopnoea, Snoring, Coughing, Hoarseness, Hyperthyroidism. […] Over time there is usually progressive enlargement of a goitre. A proportion of patients will develop hyperthyroidism. Pregnancy may result in rapid growth of a goitre resulting in airway obstruction.
  • #43 Goiter – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/goiter/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351834
    A goiter is often discovered during a routine physical exam. By touching your neck, your health care provider may detect an enlargement of the thyroid, an individual nodule or multiple nodules. […] Goiter treatment depends on the size of the goiter, your signs and symptoms, and the underlying cause. If your goiter is small and your thyroid function is healthy, your health care provider may suggest a wait-and-see approach with regular checkups. […] You may need surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid gland (total or partial thyroidectomy) may be used to treat goiter with the following complications: […] Radioactive iodine is a treatment for an overactive thyroid gland. The dose of radioactive iodine is taken orally. The thyroid takes up the radioactive iodine, which destroys cells in the thyroid. The treatment lowers or eliminates hormone production and may decrease the size of the goiter. […] Will the goiter continue to get larger?
  • #44 Non-cancerous conditions of the thyroid | Canadian Cancer Society
    https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/thyroid/what-is-thyroid-cancer/non-cancerous-conditions
    Goitre is a larger than normal, or enlarged, thyroid. Goitre usually causes a swelling or lump in the neck. A large goitre may cause coughing, a hoarse voice or difficulty breathing. […] In Canada, the most common cause of goitre is having many nodules in the thyroid. Goitre can also be caused by infections, certain medicines, pregnancy or not getting enough iodine from your diet. […] Tests used to diagnose goitre include blood tests, ultrasound and radioactive iodine scan. If an imaging test shows that a goitre has one or more nodules, doctors may need to do fine needle aspiration to check the nodules for cancer. […] Treatment options depend on what caused the goitre and include: thyroid hormone therapy, iodine supplements, radioactive iodine therapy, surgery to remove the thyroid (called thyroidectomy).