Goiters
Abnormally Large Thyroid Glands
What does the thyroid do and why are goiters a problem?
The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that makes and pumps hormones throughout our bodies. It is located on your neck, directly below the Adam's apple. Goiters, the abnormal swelling of the thyroid, throws off the balance of hormones in your body.
Goiters Causes
Goiters can be caused by an iodine deficiency, growths on the thyroid, pregnancy, the body producing chemicals that attack the thyroid, or too much stimulation to the thyroid. these growths can be cancerous, too.
Goiters Symptoms
Symptoms range from Hyperthyroidism, the overproduction of too many hormones, to Hypothyroidism, the underproduction of too little hormones, to no symptoms at all.
- Hyperthyroidism symptoms - Anxiety, rapid heart rate, constipation, and weight gain
- Hypothyroidism symptoms - Depression, fatigue, constipation, and weight gain
- If you have no symptoms, keep watch on it to see if it develops
Treatments
Treatments range from taking supplements to having a removal procedure.
- Iodine deficiency - Take iodine supplements and thyroid hormones
- Hashimoto's Disease - Take thyroid supplements
- Hyperthyroidism - Take a radioactive iodine pill or have a removal surgery
Goiter Location and Symptoms
Shows the location of a thyroid and the difference between a healthy and an inflamed thyroid.
http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/goiters/goiters-abnormally-large-thyroid-glandsGoiter Causes
Real life representation
This is what a goiter looks like in real life.
Quote
It is important to know that the presence of a goiter does not necessarily mean that the thyroid gland is malfunctioning.