When an enlarged thyroid (also known as a goiter) is present, it is typically felt as a lump or swelling in the front of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. In a physical exam, the thyroid can be felt as a smooth and firm lump that may range in size from that of a grape to a lemon.
Depending on the size of the goiter, it may be seen in the neck from the outside, particularly when a person is looking down. Symptoms associated with an enlarged thyroid can also include coughing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and pain in the neck or throat.
If the enlargement of the thyroid gland is due to a thyroid disorder, other symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, weight gain, and changes in heart rate. Regardless of the specific cause, an enlarged thyroid should be evaluated by a medical professional to determine the underlying cause and treatment options.
What are the symptoms of enlarged thyroid gland?
Enlarged thyroid gland, also known as goiter, is a common endocrine disorder that results in a swelling or enlargement of the thyroid gland. Common symptoms of an enlarged thyroid gland can include the following:
• Visible swelling of the front part of the neck
• Hoarseness or deepened voice
• Tenderness in the area of the swollen thyroid gland
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Coughing or choking
• Swelling in the neck that worsens with time
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Unexplained rapid heart rate
• Anxiety and nervousness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Irregular or heavy menstrual cycles
• Muscle weakness
• Joint pains
• Intolerance to cold temperatures
• Brittle nails and/or hair loss.
In more severe cases, an individual may experience a goiter large enough to cause skin tears or ulcers, resulting in pain and infection. If you experience any symptoms of an enlarged thyroid gland, it is important to consult a health care provider for diagnosis and treatment.
What problems can an enlarged thyroid cause?
An enlarged thyroid, also known as goiter, can cause a variety of symptoms, some of which can be quite serious. Depending on the cause, the problems associated with an enlarged thyroid can include:
1. Difficulty with breathing: As the thyroid gland enlarges, it can compress the airway, making it hard to breath. In some cases, the goiter can be so large that it completely blocks the airway and can hinder the patient’s ability to breathe.
2. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues: As the thyroid enlarges, hormones produced by the organ can become imbalanced, leading to changes in mood and emotional wellbeing. An enlarged thyroid can also affect the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in changes in mood, anxiety, and even depression.
3. Digestive problems and constipation: A large goiter can press on the intestines and the stomach, causing digestive problems and constipation.
4. Swelling of the face, neck, and hands: In some cases, the goiter can become so large that it results in swelling and inflammation of the face, neck, and/or hands.
5. Hoarseness: An enlarged thyroid can press on the voice box, resulting in hoarseness, difficulty speaking, and an abnormal breath sound.
6. Neck pain: Not only can an enlarged thyroid cause difficulty breathing and swallowing, it can also cause soreness and pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
7. Fatigue: An enlarged thyroid can cause fatigue, as it requires more energy from the body to function.
If you have an enlarged thyroid, it is important to seek medical attention, as some of these symptoms can be serious and can lead to other health complications.
Should I be worried about an enlarged thyroid?
Yes, it is important to talk to your doctor about any changes you notice in your thyroid. An enlarged thyroid is usually referred to as a goiter, and it implies that the thyroid gland is enlarged. This can be caused by a number of conditions, such as autoimmune thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, an infection, or a nodule or tumor.
Some of these can be serious, and thus it is important to get the issue evaluated by a doctor. Possible symptoms of an enlarged thyroid can include difficulty swallowing, a tight feeling in the throat, hoarseness, a cough, and difficulty breathing.
Your doctor will likely want to do a physical examination as well as tests to confirm thyroid gland enlargement. Sometimes imaging tests, such as an ultrasound and/or a CT scan are needed. Blood tests and possibly a biopsy can also be done in order to determine what is causing the enlargement and the best way to treat it.
Treatment will depend on the cause and can include thyroid hormone replacement therapy, antithyroid medications such as methimazole or propylthiouracil, and/or surgery. It is important to discuss all your concerns and questions with your doctor.
How does an enlarged thyroid make you feel?
Having an enlarged thyroid, known as goiter, can have a variety of symptoms that can affect your well-being. Goiter can cause swelling in the front of your neck and can change the shape of your neck.
This is often the most visible sign of an enlarged thyroid. Goiter can also make you feel discomfort in the form of a tight sensation in your neck or even cause pressure on your airway and make it harder to breath.
This can lead to a feeling of being short of breath and even impact your ability to speak. Additionally, people with an enlarged thyroid may experience a feeling of being tired or weak, as well as feeling nervous or irritable.
Other potentially more serious symptoms are heart palpitations, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness. If you are feeling any of these symptoms, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible.
How do you fix an enlarged thyroid?
The treatment for an enlarged thyroid (goiter) depends on its cause. If the enlarged thyroid is due to an iodine deficiency, the patient may be prescribed oral iodine supplements and/or thyroid hormone replacement therapy, depending on the severity of the deficiency.
In some cases, the goiter may need to be surgically removed.
If the cause of the goiter is related to Graves’ Disease, antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine treatment, or thyroid surgery may all be recommended. If the goiter is noncancerous and unresponsive to other treatments, thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid gland) may be necessary.
Finally, if the goiter is determined to be cancerous, a combination of treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, may be recommended, depending on the stage and type of cancer present.
The goal of treatment for an enlarged thyroid is to reduce swelling and hormone imbalance. However, it is important to determine the underlying cause of the goiter first in order to determine the most effective treatment plan.
What triggers thyroid inflammation?
Thyroid inflammation, also called thyroiditis, is caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland. Specific triggers vary and can include viral infections, certain medications, immune system disorders, and environmental factors.
Viral infections such as the mumps, rubella, herpes, or cytomegalovirus can cause an immune response leading to thyroid inflammation. Medications such as interferon can also trigger an immune response in the thyroid.
A variety of inflammatory autoimmune disorders have also been linked to thyroiditis, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome. Environmental triggers, such as radiation or harsh chemicals, can also lead to thyroiditis.
Women are more likely to suffer from thyroiditis, with most cases occurring in those aged 30 to 50. While it can affect people of any age, gender, or race, those with a family history of thyroid disease are more likely to develop the condition.
The most common symptom of thyroiditis is thyroid hormone levels. Thyroid hormone levels may fluctuate or decline and the patient may experience fatigue, weight changes, and increased sensitivity to cold.
Other symptoms include a lump or swelling in the throat, hoarse voice, and enlarged thyroid. And treatment will vary depending on the type and cause of the inflammation. Ultimately, thyroiditis should be managed by an experienced healthcare professional to detect, monitor, and minimize any risks of complications.
Is a cancerous thyroid nodule hard or soft?
A thyroid nodule is a lump or growth of tissues in the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. Nodules can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
It is important to understand that cancerous thyroid nodules are not always hard; the type of nodule and the size of the growth can determine the texture. Generally, the nodules that are cancerous tend to be hard, although they can be partially or completely soft and spongy.
Furthermore, symptoms such as pain, difficulty in swallowing and breathing, fever, and an irregular heartbeat can occur due to a cancerous thyroid nodule and can often be an indication that the patient should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
It is important to note, however, that many times a cancerous thyroid nodule is asymptomatic and cannot be detected or felt until it is considerably large.
How do you check if your thyroid is enlarged?
If you believe you may have an enlarged thyroid, it is important that you get it checked out as soon as possible. The best way to check is by getting a physical examination from a healthcare provider.
During the physical exam, your healthcare provider will check for an enlarged thyroid by gently pressing your neck with their fingers. They will be looking for any swelling or hardness in the thyroid gland.
If your provider finds any palpable enlargement, further testing may be recommended such as an ultrasound. An ultrasound will produce an image of your thyroid which can be used to confirm an enlargement.
Blood tests called thyroid function tests may also be performed to check for any issues with your thyroid. If an enlarged thyroid is diagnosed, further treatment will be recommended.
What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?
The early warning signs of thyroid problems can vary depending on whether the issue is associated with overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
For hyperthyroidism, common signs and symptoms can include anxiety and/or irritability, feeling hot all the time or having an increased perspiration (even in cool temperatures), sudden weight loss, increased heart rate, tremors (shaking) in the hands, fatigue and muscle weakness, increased appetite, irregular menstrual cycle, and trouble sleeping.
For hypothyroidism, common signs and symptoms may include fatigue, excessive weight gain and difficulty losing weight, constipation, feeling colder than usual even in warm temperatures, dry skin, thinning hair, muscle aches, painful and/or stiff joints, irregular menstrual cycle, decreased heart rate, and mental fog (difficulty concentrating and focusing).
If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine if they may be due to thyroid problems.
What can cause your thyroid to swell?
A swollen thyroid, or goiter, can be caused by various conditions, including hormonal imbalance, Hashimoto’s disease, Grave’s disease, iodine deficiency, certain medications, radiation treatment, and thyroid nodules.
Hormonal imbalance occurs when the body’s hormones are out of balance, and this can lead to an enlarged thyroid. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder in which your own immune system attacks and damages your thyroid, causing inflammation and enlargement.
Grave’s disease is also an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by excessive production of the thyroid hormone, resulting in an enlarged thyroid. Iodine deficiency can also cause an enlarged thyroid as the body does not have enough iodine to create hormones properly, leading to an enlarged gland.
Other medications such as lithium, interferon, amiodarone, and interleukin-2 can also cause the thyroid to swell. Radiotherapy is another factor that can lead to the enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Lastly, thyroid nodules can cause an enlarged thyroid as they are lumps in the thyroid gland that are caused by an overgrowth of thyroid cells, leading to an enlarged gland.