Enlarged thyroid gland
Plan your appointment
Causes
There is usually no obvious cause for thyroid enlargement. Hereditary factors may play a role.
Possible (secondary) causes include:
- Thyroid nodules
- Iodine deficiency
- Graves' disease
- Pregnancy
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland
Symptoms
The symptoms of an enlarged thyroid gland can vary. In many cases, it causes no symptoms at all. However, some people may experience visible swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, hoarseness, or changes in their voice.
If the thyroid function is also affected, symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or changes in weight may occur.
Diagnosis
An enlarged thyroid gland is often recognised by a visible swelling in the neck. Sometimes it is discovered incidentally during another examination. To assess the thyroid gland more thoroughly, an ultrasound scan of the neck is usually performed. Additional tests, such as a CT scan or thyroid scintigraphy, may be required. A blood test can also provide further insight into thyroid function.
Treatment
Treatment for an enlarged thyroid depends on the size of the gland, the presence of symptoms and thyroid function.
In some cases, radioactive iodine therapy can be used to shrink the thyroid and restore normal function. In others, surgery may be required to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.
Aftercare
With thyroid conditions, regular monitoring is important. Depending on the specific issue, follow-up with ultrasound scans may be recommended. If part or all of the thyroid gland has been removed, lifelong thyroid hormone replacement may be necessary.