What is a goiter?

A goiter is an unusually enlarged thyroid gland. It may happen only for a short time and may go away on its own without treatment. Or it could be a symptom of another thyroid disease that requires treatment. Goiter is more common in women than in men and especially in women before menopause.

Some common causes of goiter include:

• Hashimoto's disease
• Graves' disease
• Thyroid nodules
• Thyroiditis
• Thyroid cancer

Usually, the only symptom of a goiter is a swelling in your neck. It may be large enough that you can see it or feel the lump with your hand. A very large goiter can also cause a tight feeling in your throat, coughing, or problems swallowing or breathing.

Your doctor will do tests to see if it is caused by another thyroid disease.