Goiter

A goiter is basically an enlarged thyroid. The thyroid gland produces hormones which aid in regulating the body's metabolism. It is located anteriorly in the neck and inferiorly to the adams apple. Goiters tend to grow slow and are not normally painful.

Goiters may be caused by abnormal levels of thyroid hormones; they may be heredity; medications like lithium, propylthiouracil, or aminoglutethimine; or regular intakes of anything that may retard the production of thyroid hormones such as cabbage, turnips, brussel sprouts, seaweed, and millet.

Iodine deficiency can cause goiters but is not usually a problem in the United States as a result of iodized salt. Women over 40 years of age are at a higher risk of goiters than men.

Symptom's may include swelling of the neck, breathing problems, coughing and or wheezing, difficulty swallowing, pressure on the neck, and or hoarseness.
A thyroidectomy may be the treatment of choice, though radioactive iodine can be helpful in reducing the size of a goiter.