Goiter

What is Goiter?

Goiter, which has two types—nodular and non-nodular—is the enlargement of the thyroid glands beyond their normal size. In short, non-nodular goiter is related to the body's own balance. The thyroid glands start to grow because they cannot produce enough thyroid hormones. Nodular goiter, on the other hand, is related to the cells in the thyroid gland. The brain's request for hormone production is misinterpreted by some cells, which work excessively, forming nodules in the thyroid gland. These nodules can be felt as lumps when the neck area is examined.

What Causes Goiter?

The most common cause of goiter is iodine deficiency. Other causes of goiter include:

• Smoking
• Pregnancy and abnormal birth
• Selenium deficiency
• Genetic factors
• Thyroid cancer
• Hyperthyroidism (Overactive thyroid gland)
• Hypothyroidism (Underactive thyroid gland)
• Nodule formation
• Graves' disease
• Exposure of the neck region to radiation

 

 

What are the Symptoms of Goiter?

Symptoms of goiter are similar to many diseases affecting the throat region. It can be confused with swelling caused by flu infections. Therefore, if swelling near the thyroid region is detected and does not subside over time, it is essential to consult a specialist. The primary symptoms of goiter include:

• Swelling and a feeling of pressure in the neck area: Patients often notice swelling when shaving or when the neck area is stretched. It is important to check such swellings.
• Difficulty swallowing: Patients often describe the sensation as “something stuck in the throat.”
• Difficulty breathing: Especially noticeable in smokers, difficulty breathing focused in the throat area may indicate a risk of goiter.
• Involuntary, periodic coughing: A sense of fullness in the throat triggers reflexive coughing.
• Hoarseness or voice changes: Abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland compresses the vocal cords, impairing their normal function.

Types of Goiter

The types of goiter are as follows:

Non-Nodular Goiter

Non-nodular goiter occurs when the body fails to produce enough thyroid hormones. It is also known as diffuse goiter. When thyroid hormone levels decrease, the brain signals the thyroid cells to produce more hormones. Stimulated thyroid cells multiply and grow to produce more hormones. This type of thyroid growth is symmetrical and has a soft texture.

Nodular Goiter

Sometimes, signals from the brain are overly perceived by certain cells within the thyroid, causing them to multiply more than others. These multiplying cells form lumps within the thyroid, known as nodules. Thyroid nodules are commonly found in the body, with a 4% to 20% risk of cancer. Growth in nodules over time raises suspicion of cancer; however, the cancer risk in goiter with multiple nodules is lower than in others.

 

 

Who is More Prone to Goiter?

Goiter can occur in people of all ages and genders. However, it is particularly common in women over their 30s, smokers, individuals with a family history of thyroid disorders (especially nodular conditions), those who have had a severe throat infection, pregnant and menopausal women, and people using lithium.

Treatment for Goiter

There are three main treatment methods for goiter: medication, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgical intervention. The treatment process proceeds as follows:

Medication: Treatment is applied based on the behavior of the thyroid glands in a patient diagnosed with goiter. If the thyroid glands are overactive, medications suppressing thyroid hormone production are prescribed. If thyroid hormones are not produced sufficiently, hormone supplements are given. The primary aim is to maintain hormone balance.

Radioactive Iodine Therapy: Known as atom therapy, this treatment is conducted in nuclear medicine departments. In radioactive iodine therapy, a low dose of iodine is given to the patient to stimulate thyroid function. Abnormal or malignant cells in the thyroid gland are targeted to inhibit growth.

Surgical Intervention: Nodular goiter diagnosis often necessitates surgical procedures. For patients without hormonal imbalances but with nodules, incisions are made in the throat to remove nodules and part of the thyroid gland. It is important to ensure that the vocal cords and other tissues are not damaged during this low-risk surgery, which should be performed by specialized doctors.