How Does a Goiter Develop?

What is a Goiter?

A goiter is a type of growth that occurs on or near the thyroid gland. These growths are usually located on the front side of the neck, where the neck meets the shoulders. Some goiters are only temporary problems that may eventually go away, while others can be symptoms of more serious thyroid disorders.

Causes

Goiters may form through a few different ways. The first is through a malfunctioning thyroid. When a thyroid produces too much hormone such as in hyperthyroidism, or produces too little in hypothyroidism, it may cause a goiter growth. A sporadic goiter may form due to eating too much of foods that are known to cause goiters. These foods include, peaches, soybeans, rutabaga, spinach and peanuts. These foods have been found to suppress the hormone produced by the thyroid gland causing the atmosphere needed for a goiter to grow. Not getting enough iodide in your diet can also cause goiters.

Symptoms

Symptoms that you may be suffering from a goiter include a swollen thyroid gland, swelling in the neck, persistent coughing, tightness in the throat, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research 2007).

Treatment

Goiters may be treated by medication, surgery, or radioactive iodine. Medications such as Levothroid or Synthroid help to relieve the inflammation of the thyroid gland helping to shrink the size of the goiter. Radioactive iodine is also a common treatment for goiters by orally introducing the iodine into the body. The iodine then seeks out and kills thyroid cells. Surgery may also be used to physically remove the goiter, but is usually only used as a last resort when all other means of treatment have failed. Surgery may also be used if the goiter is causing life threatening side effects such as blocking of the patient's airway.