What are the signs and symptoms of a thyroid goiter?
You may have no signs and symptoms at first. As your thyroid goiter gets bigger, you may be able to clearly see it. A thyroid goiter is usually not painful. As your thyroid grows, it may press on your airway or the veins in your neck. This can cause signs and symptoms including the following: • Coughing or choking. • Flushed (red) face, and swollen neck veins. • Hoarse voice. • Noisy, high-pitched breathing. • Pain or trouble when you swallow food or liquids. • Trouble breathing when you are in certain body positions, such as lying down. • You may also have signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is when you have more than the normal amount of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism is when you have less than the normal amount of thyroid hormones. Ask your caregiver for more information about the signs and symptoms of these conditions. How is a thyroid goiter diagnosed? Your caregiver will ask you about your signs and symptoms, and when they started. You may a
