What it means
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck. A goiter means it has grown larger than normal. Causes include a lack of iodine, autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease, and many nodules forming over years. A goiter can make too much hormone, too little, or a normal amount, so size alone does not show how well it works.
When it matters
Many goiters cause no problems and are simply watched. Doctors look more closely if blood tests show the gland is overactive or underactive, or if a nodule looks suspicious on ultrasound. A large goiter can press on the windpipe or food pipe. One that reaches down behind the breastbone is often checked with CT. Your doctor may suggest blood tests, an ultrasound or a thyroid scan.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is my thyroid making too much or too little hormone?
- Is the goiter pressing on my windpipe or food pipe?
- Do any of the nodules need a closer look with a biopsy?
