Enlarged Thyroid Treatment
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the throat. Despite its small size, the hormone secreted by the thyroid regulates nearly everything in the body including metabolism, heart rate and blood pressure, hair and nail growth, and digestion. Thyroid disease is usually discovered through a series of symptoms and can usually be tested and treated successfully.
An enlarged thyroid, or a goiter, is usually a symptom of thyroid disease and should be diagnosed and treated by a physician as soon as possible. Very rarely in developed countries, an enlarged thyroid can be the result of an iodine deficiency. Most likely it is a symptom of an underactive or overactive thyroid gland.
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Underactive Thyroid
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The most common thyroid condition is an underactive gland. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder in which the thyroid is attacked by the body, can be the cause of an enlarged thyroid. Other underactive thyroid conditions can also result in an enlarged thyroid gland or a feeling of fullness and discomfort in the throat. Diagnosis by a physician and taking a prescribed dosage of artificial or natural thyroid hormone is the most common and successful treatment.
Overactive Thryoid
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The most common reason for an overactive thyroid is Graves disease. Common symptoms include weight loss, a racing and irregular heartbeat, inability to concentrate, and diarrhea. Other causes of an overactive thyroid and an enlarged gland might be lumps or nodules on the thyroid, cancer, or chemical exposure. Treatment consists of the use of beta blockers, surgery, or radioactive iodine.
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Iodine
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In developed countries it is rare for an enlarged thyroid to be caused by an iodine deficiency. Since the use of iodine in processed salt and the availability of a variety of foods, it isn't much of a problem in most parts of the US, Canada, Europe, and other industrialized nations. However, in areas where iodine may not be a part of a regular diet, there is a possibility. Introduction of iodine into the diet shrinks the enlarged thyroid, but this should only be attempted under a doctor's care.
Cancer
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Occasionally, an enlarged thyroid will be caused by cancer. The thyroid itself usually isn't enlarged, but the cancerous nodules attached to it will make it feel swollen. Most nodules are not malignant but they must be examined by a doctor to determine this. Although this is a common and fairly easily treated cancer, it needs to be taken seriously and treated immediately. Treatment involves surgically removing the thyroid and daily doses of the hormone.
Other Causes
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Rarely, there are other causes for an enlarged goiter. The pituitary gland can have an effect on the thyroid as well as exposure to toxins. The drug lithium can also affect the thyroid gland. If all other possibilities have been excluded, your doctor can determine the cause of the enlargement and prescribe a successful treatment.
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