Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/2547/-1/133/
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ASK YOUR DOCTOR: Goitre by Doctor Brett Hodge
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Many individuals have or know someone with a goiter. A goitre is often very small but can vary in size and become very large resulting in a variety of clinical symptoms.
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Dr. Brett Hodge
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What is a Goitre?
A goitre is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. This gland is situated across the front of the neck just below the larynx (Adam’s apple). The thyroid gland usually has two lobes on each side of the windpipe and is not usually seen unless enlarged. The thyroid gland secretes hormones to regulate many metabolic processes including growth and energy expenditure.
Goitres can occur as a normal feature of puberty or during pregnancy. In other cases goitres are associated with other factors.
What causes a goitre?
Causes of goitre include the following:
• Insufficient iodine in the diet
• Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
• Underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
• Benign or malignant tumours of the thyroid gland
• Viral infection
• High consumption of certain foods that neutralize iodine, e.g. cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower
• Large intakes of soy and soy products
• Certain medications e.g. lithium
Symptoms
Many individuals may have a goitre and do not have any symptoms especially if the goitre is very small.
The goitre may enlarge and compress the windpipe causing difficulty breathing.
The goitre may also compress the oesophagus causing difficulty in swallowing.
Diagnosis
A goitre is usually diagnosed on physical examination, but your doctor may ask you to do other blood tests and ultrasound scanning to confirm the diagnosis. Needle biopsy and radioactive iodine scanning may also be required for making the diagnosis.
Treatment
Not all goitres require treatment. The type of treatment will depend on the cause of the goitre and any related symptoms.
Iodine deficiency is usually treated with iodine rich foods such as seafoods and iodised salt.
Surgery may be required if there is difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
Conclusion
Goitres are common in countries where many people have a dietary deficiency in iodine, but goitres are also associated with other factors. Goitres are more common in females than in men. All individuals with goitres should see their doctor for clinical evaluation, but all goitres do not require treatment as this will depend on the cause. Having a goitre does not mean you have cancer. Indeed, cancer of the thyroid gland is a very rare condition in Anguilla.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr. Brett Hodge is an obstetrician/gynaecologist and family doctor who has over twenty years in clinical practice. Dr. Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.