Goiter

Alternative names:

euthyroid goiter; nontoxic diffuse goiter; nontoxic goiter; nontoxic nodular goiter; simple goiter

Treatment:

Hormone replacement inhibits thyroid stimulating hormone and allows for recovery of the thyroid gland. Small doses of iodine (Lugol's or potassium iodine solution) will treat iodine deficiency. Eliminating or reducing goiter producing foods or drugs is indicated for sporadic goiter. A large goiter that is unresponsive to medical management, or restricts swallowing and breathing, may require partial removal of the gland (subtotal thyroidectomy).

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is expected to be good with treatment. Simple goiters may disappear spontaneously, or may become large. Occasionally a person may develop hyperthyroidism with a nodular goiter after receiving excess iodine therapy. More frequently, hypothyroidism develops.

Complications:

• A progressive thyroid enlargement and/or the development of hardened nodules may indicate thyroid malignancy.
• A simple goiter may progress to a toxic nodular goiter.
• Thyrotoxicosis may be a side effect of treatment.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you experience any swelling or enlargement in the front of your neck, increased resting pulse rate, palpitations, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sweating without exercise of increased room temperature, tremors, agitation, shortness of breath, or signs of hypothyroidism.