Thyroid/Goiter

1. Thyroid

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, in front of the trachea (windpipe). It is part of the endocrine system and plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s metabolism, growth, and development by producing hormones.

These hormones affect many bodily functions, such as:

• Heart rate
• Body temperature
• Digestion
• Muscle control
• Brain development

The thyroid is controlled by the pituitary gland, which releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to regulate hormone production.

2. Goiter

A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. It can occur when the thyroid is either overactive or underactive, or due to other factors like iodine deficiency.

Causes of Goiter:

• Iodine Deficiency: Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production. A deficiency can cause the thyroid to enlarge in an effort to trap more iodine from the bloodstream.
• Graves’ Disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), which can lead to goiter.
• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Another autoimmune disorder that damages the thyroid and often results in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), causing goiter.
• Thyroid Nodules: Benign lumps or cysts in the thyroid can cause the gland to swell.
• Thyroid Cancer: In rare cases, a goiter may be caused by malignant growths in the thyroid.
• Pregnancy or Puberty: Hormonal changes during these times can occasionally cause goiter.

Types of Goiter:

• Diffuse Goiter: The entire thyroid swells evenly.
• Nodular Goiter: Lumps or nodules develop in the thyroid.

Symptoms of Goiter:

• Visible swelling at the base of the neck
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing (in severe cases)
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Coughing or a feeling of tightness in the throat

Goiter itself is not always painful, but the enlargement can lead to discomfort, especially if it presses on the trachea or esophagus.