What are the causes of goitre?
- Iodine deficiency: Goitre may occur as a result of iodine deficiency and increased hormone demand of the body during pregnancy. Goitre caused by iodine deficiency is endemic; that is, it is region-specific. Goitre is common in our country because iodine consumption is low.
- Hyperthyroidism: Antibodies against thyroid cells stimulate the thyroid gland to make excess hormones and this stimulation causes the thyroid gland to enlarge.
- Hypothyroidism: Due to this disorder, the hormone production of the thyroid gland decreases. As a result, the thyroid gland is stimulated to make more hormones. This stimulation causes the gland to enlarge.
- Nodules: The thyroid gland can sometimes enlarge because of a nodule. Goiters containing nodules are called nodular goitre.
- Thyroid Cancer: Thyroid cancer also causes a swelling inside the thyroid gland.
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland: Inflammation in the gland also enlarges the thyroid gland.
Although thyroid hormones are secreted normally and there is no nodule in the gland, the enlargement of the thyroid gland is referred to as simple goitre, and the enlargement of the thyroid gland under the sternum is referred to as substernal goitre.
In general, simple goitre does not cause any complaint. Large and nodular goitres may cause shortness of breath or difficulty in swallowing by applying pressure on the trachea or oesophagus, and may cause dilatation of these veins by pressing on the neck veins.
Sudden enlargement, pain and tenderness of the thyroid is seen in internal bleeding in the thyroid nodule or in sudden thyroid cancers.
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