Goiters are usually painless, but they can cause coughs, breathing problems, difficulty swallowing, diaphragm paralysis, or superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. Treatment depends on the size of your goiter and symptoms, as well as the reasons the goiter developed. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
A visible swelling the base of your neck, which may be very obvious when you shave or put on makeup A tight feeling in your throat Coughing Hoarseness Difficulty swallowing Difficulty breathing
What is causing this goiter? Is it serious? How should I treat its underlying causes? Are there any alternative treatments I can try? Can I use a watch and wait approach? Will the goiter get bigger? Will I have to take medication? If so, for how long?
Your doctor may perform a hormone test to see the amounts of hormones produced by your thyroid and pituitary gland. If the levels are too low or too high, this is likely the cause of the goiter. Blood will be drawn and sent to a lab. An antibody test might be performed, as abnormal antibodies can cause goiters. This is done through blood tests. In ultrasonography, a device is held over your neck and sound waves from your neck and back form images on the computer screen. Abnormalities that cause goiters can be identified. A thyroid scan might also be performed. A radioactive isotope is injected into the vein in your elbow and you then lie on the table. A camera produces images of your thyroid on a computer screen, providing information about what’s causing the goiter. A biopsy may be performed, usually used to rule out cancer, in which tissues is drawn from your thyroid for testing.
The iodine is taken orally and reaches the thyroid gland through your bloodstream, destroying thyroid cells. This treatment option is common in Europe, and its usage dates back to the 1990’s. The treatment is effective in that 90% of patients have a 50 – 60% reduction in goiter size and volume after 12 to 18 months. [7] X Research source This treatment can result in an underactive thyroid gland, but such an issue is rare and usually shows up in the first two weeks after treatment. If you’re concerned about the risk, talk this option over with your doctor beforehand. [8] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Thyroid hormone replacements, such as Synthroid and Levothroid, help with symptoms of hypothyroidism. This also slows the release of hormones from your pituitary gland, a compensatory response of your body, which may decrease goiter size. [10] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source If your goiter does not decrease with hormone replacements, you will still stay on the medication to treat other symptoms. However, your doctor might suggest aspirin or a corticosteroid cream. [11] X Research source Thyroid replacement hormones are usually well tolerated in patients, but some side effects can occur. Side effects may include chest pain, increased heart rate, sweating, headaches, insomnia, diarrhea, nausea, and irregular menstrual cycles. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source
If your goiter is large enough to cause compression of the neck and esophagus, resulting in difficulty breathing and nighttime choking episodes, surgery is usually recommended. Although rare, a goiter can be caused by thyroid cancer. If malignancy is suspected, your doctor will likely want to remove the goiter surgically. A less common reason for surgery is cosmetic concerns. Sometimes, a large goiter is simply a cosmetic concern and patients may opt for surgery in this case. However, if it’s a cosmetic concern insurance may not cover the cost of the operation. The same kind of hormone replacement therapy used for an underactive thyroid usually
Everyone needs at least 150 micrograms of iodine a day. [17] X Research source Shrimp and other shellfish are high in iodine, as are sea vegetables such as kelp, hiziki, and kombu. Organic yogurt and raw cheese are high in iodine. One cup of yogurt contains 90 micrograms, and an ounce of raw cheddar contains 10 to 15 micrograms. [18] X Research source Cranberries are extremely high in iodine. There are 400 micrograms in 4 ounces of cranberries. Strawberries are another great berry choice. One cup has 13 micrograms. Navy beans and potatoes also contain high amounts of iodine. Make sure you get iodized salt.
