In this article
- Iodine problems, autoimmune disease or nodules may cause it
- Blood tests and ultrasound are important
- Most nodules are not cancer
Assessment and treatment
- TSH/thyroid hormone testing
- Ultrasound risk assessment and selected FNAC
- Cause-based observation, medicine, radioiodine or surgery
At a glance
Definition: A goitre is an enlarged thyroid gland; thyroid hormone levels may be normal, high or low.
Key takeaways
- Iodine problems, autoimmune disease or nodules may cause it
- Blood tests and ultrasound are important
- Most nodules are not cancer
Clinical steps
- TSH/thyroid hormone testing
- Ultrasound risk assessment and selected FNAC
- Cause-based observation, medicine, radioiodine or surgery
Red flags: Breathing/swallowing difficulty, rapid growth, hoarseness or a hard neck node needs prompt assessment.
Quick FAQ: When should I see an ENT specialist?
Breathing/swallowing difficulty, rapid growth, hoarseness or a hard neck node needs prompt assessment.
How I assess this in clinic
I first clarify duration, severity, whether symptoms are one-sided or bilateral, and their effect on daily life. I then perform a focused ENT examination and compare the findings with iodine problems, autoimmune disease or nodules may cause it.
Endoscopy or audiometry is not required for everyone. I advise endoscopy when the nose, sinus, throat or voice box needs direct assessment, and audiometry/tympanometry when hearing or middle-ear function is in question.
A common misconception is that every ENT problem needs an antibiotic or an operation. Treatment should instead follow the diagnosis, functional impact, examination findings and evidence-based indications.
Do not wait when: Breathing/swallowing difficulty, rapid growth, hoarseness or a hard neck node needs prompt assessment.
For patient education; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment.