INFORMATION ON GOITER:-

Goiter may be defined as the increase in the size of the thyroid gland. A normal goiter usually occurs when the thyroid gland is not able to produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body's requirement. The thyroid gland makes up for this lack by enlarging, which usually overcomes mild deficiencies of thyroid hormone. . Goiter is not a type of cancer

CAUSES OF GOITER:-

In most cases of sporadic goiter the cause is unknown. Occasionally, certain medications such as lithium or aminoglutethimide can cause a nontoxic goiter. Hereditary factors can also leads to the development of goiters. Inadequate diet of iodine, can also leads to the development of goiter.

SYMPTOMS OF GOITER:-

1. Thyroid enlargement varying from a single small nodule to massive enlargement (neck lump)
2. Breathing difficulties, cough, or wheezing due to compression of the windpipe
3. Swallowing difficulties due to compression of the esophagus
4. Neck vein distention and dizziness

DIAGNOSIS OF GOITER:-

Clinically goiter can be identified by:-

1. Measurement of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxin (T4) in the blood
2. Thyroid scan and uptake
3. Ultrasound of thyroid.

TREATMENT OF GOITER:-

A goiter only needs to be treated if it is developing symptoms. Enlarged thyroid can be treated with radioactive iodine to shrink the gland or with surgical removal of part or all of the gland . Small doses of iodine may help to treat goiter when goiter is due to deficiency of iodine.