Goiter is an enlarged thyroid caused by iodine deficiency, autoimmune disorders, nodules, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, pregnancy, inflammation, and thyroid cancer. Iodine deficiency is the leading cause in third world countries, while autoimmune disorders and nodules are common in first world countries.
“Goiter” is the medical term for an enlarged thyroid. The thyroid, in the front of the neck, can become enlarged due to a number of factors. Iodine deficiency, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and the development of nodules are among the common causes of goiter.
Globally, a lack of iodine in the diet is the leading cause of goiter. Lack of iodine affects the production of hormones needed for the thyroid to function properly and causes the thyroid to enlarge as it seeks out more iodine. In countries where table salt is readily available, such as the United States and other First World countries, iodine deficiency is not usually a major cause of goiter.
While iodine deficiency is the most common cause of goiter in third world countries, autoimmune disorders and nodules within the gland are common causes of goiter in first world countries. Autoimmune diseases include hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Single or multiple nodules within the thyroid can cause goiter.
Hyperthyroidism, also known as Grave’s disease, is another cause of goiter. With Grave’s disease, the thyroid gland enlarges in response to an overproduction of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. The overproduction of thyroxine is the result of antibodies attacking the thyroid gland.
Hashimoto’s disease, also known as hypothyroidism, is the result of too little thyroid hormone. In reaction to this underproduction, the pituitary gland begins producing more thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone. This leads to an enlarged thyroid gland, or goiter.
The solid, fluid-filled lumps within the thyroid gland are referred to as nodules. The development of nodules leads to an enlarged thyroid gland and is another possible cause of goiter. These nodules can develop on one or both sides of the thyroid over time. When multiple lumps form, it is called a multinodular goiter. The existence of a single nodule is known as a solitary thyroid nodule.
Thyroid cancer is another possible cause of goiter. Though less common than noncancerous nodules, thyroid cancer is a possibility. Those diagnosed with thyroid cancer often experience enlargement of only one side of the thyroid gland, instead of enlargement on both sides, as is common with benign nodules.
Some of the remaining causes of goiter include pregnancy and inflammation. Pregnant women may notice an increase in the size of their thyroid gland due to an increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) during pregnancy. Thyroid enlargement can also result from thyroiditis, an inflammation of the thyroid gland.
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