Question 1

how to differentiate goiter and a fat neck?

Accepted Answer

Physical exam: A careful exam by a healthcare provider who will know the anatomy and will be able to feel the outline of the thyroid --(from the greek language meaning "shaped like a shield"). Sometimes an ultrasound is used.

Question 2

can a goiter grow on only one side of the neck?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Goiter is simply the term for an enlarged thyroid.  Usually it is bilateral (both sides) but you can have marked difference from one side or the other.  One sided masses of the thyroid are more concerning for a thyroid cancer, and so should be evaluated at least with an ultrasound, and perhaps with a needle biopsy.

Question 3

can you have a goiter without it being visible? meaning you do not see neck enlargement?thank you

Accepted Answer

Goiter: Yes. It depends on the size of your neck and the thyroid. Many multinodular goiters in US and Europe are subclinical on visual inspection and may only be appreciated on careful palpation or ultrasound.

Question 4

is it common to get a goiter on one side of neck or rare?

Accepted Answer

Goiter: Goiter is common, and can be asymmetric. However, enlarged thyroid just on one side may also have a different cause - important to get it checked out. A scan or a biopsy may be needed!

Question 5

why is my neck getting this big lump on one side? is it a goiter?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: It could be a goiter or other kind of mass. I would suggest getting this checked by your provider

Question 6

i have goiter nodule on the left and right of my neck. had biopsy in february, negative, but for the past two weeks the left side is quite painful. ?

Accepted Answer

Inflammation: You may have an area of thyroiditis or inflammation in the thyroid gland or alternatively bleeding into the thyroid nodule.  Best to have your thyroid specialist evaluate with exam and ultrasound.  The nodules may be a sign of Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Question 7

good evening doc. i was at my doctor last week to check my neck... he found out that i have goiter and the ths is 2.9... what shall i do? pls help me.

Accepted Answer

Follow  advice: You may need medication to help shrink the thyroid and you will probably need a nuclear scan. Please follow your physician's advice.

Question 8

had ultrasound on neck, diagnosis as goiter. thyroid tests came back normal. this was year ago. should i follow up with the goiter situation?

Accepted Answer

Yes you need to: Goiter needs follow up at least once a year to see if it is changing in size. Since it can grow or change into cancer, most thyroid  specialistsd(endocrinologists) would advise removal with thyroid surgery. So go see one and find out your options to solve this problelm.

Question 9

i have had a goiter since 6 years. it has always been stable. since 8 months it is growing. i feel unconfortable breathing laying down at night ans feel pressure on my neck in certains positions. what should i do?

Accepted Answer

See Endocrinologist: You’d need to visit with an Endocrinologist at this point for blood testing and treatment options.

Question 10

please tell me, could a large goiter cause ear ringing and neck problems?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It can cause "neck" problems, compressive symptoms, difficulty swallowing but ear ringing is unlikely.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What is a goiter in the neck

A member asked:

How to differentiate goiter and a fat neck?

A member asked:

Can a goiter grow on only one side of the neck?

A member asked:

Can you have a goiter without it being visible? meaning you do not see neck enlargement?thank you

A member asked:

Is it common to get a goiter on one side of neck or rare?

A member asked:

Why is my neck getting this big lump on one side? is it a goiter?

A member asked:

I have goiter nodule on the left and right of my neck. had biopsy in february, negative, but for the past two weeks the left side is quite painful. ?

A member asked:

Good evening doc. i was at my doctor last week to check my neck... he found out that i have goiter and the ths is 2.9... what shall i do? pls help me.

A member asked:

Had ultrasound on neck, diagnosis as goiter. thyroid tests came back normal. this was year ago. should i follow up with the goiter situation?

A member asked:

I have had a goiter since 6 years. it has always been stable. since 8 months it is growing. i feel unconfortable breathing laying down at night ans feel pressure on my neck in certains positions. what should i do?

A member asked:

Please tell me, could a large goiter cause ear ringing and neck problems?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?