Direct answer

A goitre is an enlarged thyroid gland; thyroid hormone levels may be normal, high or low.

Schematic illustration of the thyroid gland in the neck
Schematic illustration of the thyroid gland in the neck. General illustration for context.
01

Key symptoms

  • Iodine problems, autoimmune disease or nodules may cause it
  • Blood tests and ultrasound are important
  • Most nodules are not cancer
02

Assessment and treatment

  • TSH/thyroid hormone testing
  • Ultrasound risk assessment and selected FNAC
  • Cause-based observation, medicine, radioiodine or surgery

Related ENT services

Thyroid conditionsAssessment of thyroid nodules, goitre, hormone disorders and thyroid cancer, including tests, follow-up and surgical advice.→Thyroid surgery planningAssessment and planning for hemithyroidectomy, total thyroidectomy, thyroid cancer surgery and neck dissection when indicated.→
ReferencesThyroid Cancer—Patient VersionUS National Cancer Institute↗Thyroid DiseaseNIH MedlinePlus↗

For patient education; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment. Seek emergency care for red-flag symptoms.