The thyroid gland is one of the body's most important organs and plays a key role in the production of hormones. However, the thyroid gland can also be afflicted by diseases. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are particularly common and can have drastic effects on the body. However, a goitre can also develop, which is colloquially referred to as a goitre. You can find out how a goitre develops and what treatment options are available below. You can also find selected goitre specialists for the treatment of this thyroid disease here.
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Article overview
What is a goitre?
A goitre is a pathological enlargement of the thyroid gland. In most cases, it is so small that it cannot be seen or felt. However, it can also swell to the size of a tennis ball or become even larger. Goiter also manifests itself in the form of nodules on the thyroid gland. The word goiter is a Latin term that can be translated as "lump" or "swelling of the gland in the neck".
Goitre with a large, palpable lump
How does a goitre develop?
There are various reasons why a goitre develops. Very often, affected patients have an iodine deficiency. This is needed to produce the hormones T3 and T4. As iodine cannot be produced by the body itself, it must be supplied in sufficient quantities through food. This is why goitre is a clinical picture that occurs not least in iodine-deficient areas. If this substance is lacking, the thyroid gland enlarges in order to compensate for this deficiency. As part of this process, the organ's tissue releases growth factors that lead to cell proliferation.
If there is a long-term iodine deficiency, T3 and T4 cannot be produced in sufficient quantities, which in turn leads to an increase in the release of TSH, another thyroid hormone. This is intended to stimulate the production of T3 and T4. This results in a goitre.
Although the iodine deficiency mentioned above is the most common cause, other factors can also play a role. For example, hormonal disorders, autoimmune diseases or even tumors can also promote the development of goiter. The best-known autoimmune thyroid diseases include Hashimoto's, which leads to chronic inflammation, or Graves' disease, which is often associated with hyperthyroidism.
However, not all goitres are the same. For example, patients can develop a goitre in which the thyroid gland still functions normally. It is classified according to various aspects:
- constitution
- function
- Size
What symptoms does a goitre cause?
Goitre does not necessarily cause symptoms. In many cases, those affected do not even realize that they have developed a goitre. It is therefore often only discovered during a routine examination. This is also referred to as a "hidden goitre". Nevertheless, patients suffering from goitre may complain of symptoms that indicate this disease. For example, there may be a feeling of tightness in the throat. If the goitre becomes larger, this sensation can increase and patients often complain of a feeling of a lump in their throat.
If the thyroid gland swells, it can also press on the windpipe, making it difficult for the patient to breathe. This results in shortness of breath on exertion or with certain movements of the head. Furthermore, problems with the vocal cords or difficulty swallowing can also occur with a larger or unfavorably located goitre. If the patient experiences these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
How is a goitre diagnosed?
In many cases, the goitre cannot be recognized visually, so further examinations are necessary. The doctor will carefully palpate the area of the thyroid gland in order to detect enlargement or nodules. In addition, an ultrasound is also used here, as this allows the size of the thyroid gland to be seen. In most cases, the doctor can also determine whether the thyroid gland is enlarged (diffuse goiter) or nodular (nodular goiter).
A blood test can also help. Here, the TSH value is specifically examined. If it is very high, this could indicate an iodine deficiency and therefore a goiter. The T3 and T4 levels can also be examined in a blood test.
A scintigraphy is also indicated if a goitre is suspected. If it is a goitre with nodules, for example, so-called cold nodules could be a sign of thyroid cancer. Scintigraphy can differentiate between cold and hot nodules. The examination is carried out by a radiologist.