What it is
Causes include low iodine, thyroid conditions such as Graves' disease or Hashimoto's, and nodules. Most nodules are not cancer.
Small goitres with normal thyroid function often only need monitoring. Treatment depends on the cause and may include medicine, radioactive iodine or surgery.
Common signs
- A swelling at the front of the neck
- A tight feeling in the throat
- Hoarse voice
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing if large
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination of the neck
- Thyroid blood tests
- Ultrasound scan
- Fine needle aspiration of a nodule, sometimes
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Thyroid blood test results over time
- Ultrasound reports with nodule sizes
- Biopsy results
- Endocrinology letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is my thyroid working normally?
- Do any nodules need a biopsy?
- How often should it be checked?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or a neck swelling that grows very quickly: get urgent medical help
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.