Question 1

what does goiter look like?

Accepted Answer

Nick mass: A goiter typically involves enlargement of the thyroid which can be manifest as an enlargement in the front part of the neck.

Question 2

what's a goiter?

Accepted Answer

Enlarged thyroid: Goiter is a lay term for enlargement of the thyroid gland.  Goiters can have normal function or can be under- or over-active; the term refers only to the size of the thyroid gland.

Question 3

what causes goiter?

Accepted Answer

Define goiter: Hi. Strictly speaking, goiter only refers to an abnormal size and/or shape of the thyroid. Therefore, goiter can be diffuse, multi-nodular, or uni-nodular. Underlying causes can be autoimmunity, neoplasia (benign or malignant), and drugs (e.g., lithium, amiodarone). So, a lot to causes.

Question 4

is a goiter painful?

Accepted Answer

No: Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid) is almost never painful.  Goiters and their symptoms (trouble swallowing, breathing, etc) increase slowly.  A painful or rapidly enlarging thyroid should be evaluated asap.

Question 5

is goiter hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Goiter: Some goiters are present in several family members and some are not. If you are concerned about getting it yourself because others in the family have been diagnosed with this in the past. Have your PCP check your thyroid (physical exam) and order appropriate lab studies and if it is OK don't worry but get the same labs done annually.

Question 6

how is goiter managed?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If there are nodules that are suspicious for cancer, surgery will be indicated to provide final diagnosis and definitive treatment.  If not, you may be able to manage this with medication.  
Your healthcare provider should talk to you about the options including whether you should also consult with an endocrinologist.

Question 7

how to control a goiter?

Accepted Answer

Depends on type: A goiter, or enlarged thyroid gland, may result from: hypothyroidism, iodine (i) deficiency, thyroid nodules, or graves' disease. Thyroid hormone and i replacement can control goiter associated with hypothyroidism and i deficiency respectively. Radioactive i-131 treatment can shrink the goiter and lower thyroid function in nodular disease or graves', although some patients need surgery to do this.

Question 8

what exactly is a goiter?

Accepted Answer

Enlarged thyroid: "goiter" is a term for an enlarged thyroid gland.

Question 9

does lithium cause goiter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can: Yes, lithium can cause goiter.  Prevalence of this is about 20% in patients living in areas with enough iodine in the soil, to 87% in iodine-deficient areas or who are on long-term lithium therapy.  Goiter can develop within weeks of starting lithium, but more often it takes months or several years.  A smaller percentage of this group actually becomes hypothyroid. In most cases it's subclinical.

Question 10

can a goiter pinch a nerve?

Accepted Answer

Which nerve?: Rarely, a goiter can affect the recurrent laryngeal nerve that goes to the voice box, and cause hoarseness.

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