How long does it take to develop a goiter?

Months to years: Generally goiters develop slowly over months to years. They can cause symptoms, like trouble swallowing, breathing and hoarseness, but these symptoms also develop slowly. Any rapid changes in size or symptoms should be evaluated asap as it concerning for a thyroid cancer.

Years: The word goiter indicates an enlarged thyroid. Many processes can cause this, but most commonly dietary iodine deficiency or other factors lead to the slow growth (over years or decades) of nodules within the thyroid (multinodular goiter). If there is rapid growth of a goiter, one has to consider the possibility of thyroid cancer or lymphoma and seek evaluation right away.