What is a thyroid goiter?
• A thyroid goiter is a condition where your thyroid gland grows larger than normal. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ in the front of your neck. It makes hormones (special chemicals) that act as messengers to help control how your body works. Thyroid hormones help control your body temperature, heart rate, and growth. They also control how fast your body changes and uses food for your energy needs. The amount of thyroid hormones in your body may increase, decrease, or both when you have a goiter. In some cases, the levels of these hormones may be normal. • Having your thyroid goiter seen by a caregiver will help him know if you need treatment. Treating a thyroid goiter may decrease it’s size, and make your symptoms go away. It can also help caregivers learn if you have other medical problems related to or causing your goiter. What are the types of thyroid goiter? A thyroid goiter may be diffuse or nodular. A diffuse goiter is when the whole thyroid gland is swollen.
