Goiter: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Options

Sunil’s Story: A Wake-Up Call

Sunil Patil, a 38 year old IT professional from Baner, was going about his usual morning routine when he noticed a slight bulge at the base of his neck while shaving. Initially dismissing it as weight gain or posture-related, he ignored it for weeks. But when he began experiencing mild discomfort while swallowing and occasional breathlessness, he decided to seek medical advice.

After a referral from a colleague, Sunil visited a thyroid specialist at Manipal Hospital Baner. A detailed clinical evaluation, supported by blood tests and a neck ultrasound, confirmed that he had a benign multinodular goitre. Thankfully, his thyroid hormone levels were normal. His condition was managed conservatively with regular monitoring, and today, Sunil lives symptom-free, a reminder of the importance of early detection.
 

What Exactly Is a Goitre?

A goitre is not a disease in itself but rather a symptom of an underlying thyroid condition. It refers to an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may present as a visible swelling at the front of the neck. Goitres vary in size and severity. While some are so small they're only detected through imaging, others may grow large enough to interfere with breathing, swallowing, or speech.

Types of Goitre

• Diffuse Goitre – The entire thyroid is uniformly enlarged.

• Nodular Goitre – One or more lumps or nodules form within the thyroid gland. These may be solitary or multiple and benign or malignant.

Women and individuals over the age of 40 are more commonly affected, but goitres can occur at any age and in both sexes.

Common Causes of Goitre

The development of goitre can be attributed to a variety of causes—ranging from dietary deficiencies to autoimmune diseases. Below are the most frequent contributors:

1. Iodine Deficiency

Iodine is vital for the production of thyroid hormones. A lack of iodine in the diet leads to underproduction of these hormones, prompting the gland to enlarge in an attempt to compensate.

2. Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases

Autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease can cause thyroid inflammation and swelling. Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), while Graves’ causes hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

3. Nodular Growths

Over time, solid or fluid-filled nodules may form within the gland. These can be benign or, in rare cases, cancerous.

4. Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy, menopause, and puberty can trigger hormonal shifts that affect thyroid function and size.

5. Genetic Predisposition

A family history of thyroid disorders increases the risk of developing goitre.

6. Thyroid Cancer

A family history of thyroid disorders increases the risk of developing goitre.

Symptoms of Goitre

Symptoms depend on the goitre’s size and whether it affects hormone production. Many small goitres are asymptomatic and only discovered during routine exams.

Visible Symptoms:

• Swelling at the base of the neck

• Tight feeling in the throat

• Voice hoarseness

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

Symptoms from Thyroid Hormone Imbalance

In Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid):

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

• Cold sensitivity

• Dry skin

• Slow heart rate

• Constipation

In Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid):

• Nervousness or anxiety

• Weight loss

• Heat intolerance

• Tremors

• Rapid heartbeat

• Excessive sweating

If you’re experiencing a combination of these symptoms—especially with a visible neck swelling—it is advisable to consult a thyroid specialist in Pune for prompt evaluation.

Diagnosis at Manipal Hospital Baner

At Manipal Hospital Baner, the evaluation of goitre involves a blend of cutting-edge diagnostic tools and expert clinical judgement. The aim is not only to determine the presence of goitre but also to assess its cause, hormonal impact, and potential complications.

Common Diagnostic Tests:

• Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs): Blood tests measuring TSH, T3, and T4 hormone levels.

• Neck Ultrasound: A painless imaging technique to visualise the size, shape, and texture of the thyroid gland and detect any nodules.

• Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC): A procedure where a thin needle is inserted into a nodule to extract cells for examination, especially to rule out cancer.

• Thyroid Scintigraphy: A nuclear scan that assesses gland function and helps identify active (hot) or inactive (cold) nodules.

Treatment Options for Goitre

Management depends on several factors, including the size and cause of the goitre, presence of symptoms, and hormone status.

1. Observation

Small, non-functional goitres that cause no symptoms may just need regular monitoring with follow-up scans and blood tests.

2. Medications

• Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism to reduce TSH stimulation and gland size.

• Antithyroid drugs like carbimazole for hyperthyroidism.

• Iodine supplementation in cases of dietary deficiency.

3. Radioactive Iodine Therapy

Administered orally to shrink overactive thyroid tissue. It is particularly effective in treating toxic nodular goitres or Graves’ disease.

4. Surgery (Thyroidectomy)

Indicated when:

• The goitre is large and compressing nearby structures

• There is suspicion or confirmation of cancer

• Medical therapy fails

• The swelling causes cosmetic concern or discomfort

Thyroid surgeries at Manipal Hospital Baner are performed by experienced endocrine specialists and head & neck surgeons using minimally invasive techniques. These approaches offer reduced recovery time, minimal scarring, and improved outcomes.

Lifestyle Tips and Prevention

While not all causes of goitre are preventable, certain lifestyle habits can significantly reduce your risk:

• Use iodised salt in daily cooking

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in selenium, zinc, and iron

• Avoid excessive intake of goitrogenic foods like raw cabbage, broccoli, and soy—especially if you have thyroid issues

• Schedule regular screenings if you have a family history or are pregnant Manage stress, as it can aggravate autoimmune thyroid conditions

Ongoing support and nutritional counselling are part of the holistic thyroid care offered at the hospital, helping patients manage their condition long-term.

Why Choose Manipal Hospitals Baner for Thyroid Care?

As a trusted name for thyroid treatment in Pune, this facility provides:

• A dedicated thyroid clinic with endocrinologists and surgeons

• State-of-the-art diagnostic imaging

• Personalised treatment strategies tailored to patient needs

• Minimally invasive surgical options

• Exceptional post-treatment support and follow-up care

From early detection to expert surgery, the hospital ensures comprehensive care under one roof.

Conclusion

A goitre might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, but it can have wide-ranging effects on your health. Whether caused by iodine deficiency, hormonal imbalance, or nodular growths, it should never be ignored. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help prevent complications and restore thyroid health.

If you’re in Pune and noticing symptoms like neck swelling or fatigue, seek timely consultation. With world-class care, expert consultants, and a patient-centred approach, Manipal Hospital Baner remains a leading choice for thyroid care in the region.