Goiter is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to grow larger. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped, small gland situated in the neck below Adam’s apple.
What are the indications and signs of a goiter?
The following are the primary symptoms of goiter:
- A bulge in the front of the neck, below Adam’s apple.
- Tightness in the throat
- Hoarseness (scratchy voice)
- Neck vein swelling
- Unavoidable dizziness when extending the arms above the head.
- Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath)
- Coughing
- Wheezing (due to windpipe squeezing)
- Difficulty swallowing (due to esophageal squeezing, or “food tube”)
- An elevated resting pulse rate
- Rapid heartbeat
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
- Sweating without exercise or increased room temperature
- Shaking
- Agitation
How is a goiter identified?
Several tests, including the following, can be performed to diagnose and evaluate goiter.
- Physical exam: By touching the neck area for nodules and signs of pain, the doctor may be able to identify if the thyroid gland has grown.
- Hormone test: This blood test is preferred to measure thyroid hormone levels to see if the thyroid is working appropriately.
- Thyroid scan: This imaging examination determines the size and function of the thyroid gland. Using a little amount of radioactive material, this procedure generates a computerized image of the thyroid gland. This test is rarely ordered since it is only helpful in particular circumstances.
- CT Scan: If the goiter is particularly large or has migrated into the chest, a CT scan or MRI of the thyroid will be performed.
What is the treatment for goiter?
The treatment for goiter is determined by the size of the thyroid, the symptoms, and the cause. No treatment/”watchful waiting” is one option. If your goiter is small and not troubling you, the doctor may determine that it is unnecessary to treat it. On the other hand, the goiter will be continuously monitored for any changes.
- Medications
Another option is thyroid hormone replacement therapy using levothyroxine. It is administered if an underactive thyroid is the cause of the goiter (hypothyroidism). If an overactive thyroid is the source of the goiter, other drugs are suggested. If the goiter is caused by inflammation, the doctor may prescribe aspirin or corticosteroid medicine.
- Radioactive iodine therapy
This treatment involves consuming radioactive iodine orally in cases with the hyperactive thyroid gland. Iodine enters the thyroid gland and destroys thyroid cells, causing the gland to shrink. Therefore, thyroid hormone replacement medication is frequently required after radioactive iodine treatment for the rest of the patient’s life.
- Biopsy
During a biopsy, a sample of tissue or cells is removed and submitted to the lab for analysis. For example, if there are significant nodules in the thyroid gland, a biopsy may be required. Likewise, to rule out malignancy, a biopsy is performed.
- Surgery
Surgery is used to remove all or a portion of the thyroid gland. If the goiter is big and causing breathing and swallowing problems, surgery may be required. Nodules are sometimes removed surgically. If cancer is present, surgery is required. Depending on how much of the thyroid gland is removed, the patient may require thyroid hormone replacement treatment for the remainder of his or her life.
- Thyroid RFA treatment
Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation therapy is an alternative to surgery and much safer than surgery. Thyroid RFA treatment is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that uses thermal ablation to heat and shrink the thyroid nodules from the inside. Thyroid RFA is performed by inserting a needle into the thyroid. The tip of the needle heats up, destroying the nodule from the inside, and causing it to shrink. The therapy has been proven a safe and effective treatment for benign thyroid nodules through extensive studies and point-of-care use in Asia, Europe, and South America and is now available in the U.S.
At RGS Healthcare, we take care to keep our doctors and their patients’ knowledge of thyroid disease current so they can make wise decisions together. Call us today at 1-407- 759-4302 or contact us for a consultation on all the medical imaging equipment and services that RGS Healthcare has available for you.
Disclaimer: None of the information posted is intended as medical, legal, or business advice, or advice about reimbursement for health care services.
Related Categories: Thyroid Disease, Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation