Goiter

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. It produces hormones that control the body's growth and metabolism. It also regulates heart rate, respiration, digestion, and mood.

A condition that increases the size of thyroid is called a goiter. A goiter may develop in anyone, but is more common in women. 

Iodine deficiency is the main cause of goiters. Iodine is essential to helping your thyroid produce thyroid hormones. When you don’t have enough iodine, the thyroid works extra hard to make thyroid hormone, causing the gland to grow larger.

Other causes include the following:

1) Graves’ disease

Graves’ disease occurs when the thyroid produces more thyroid hormone than normal, which is known as hyperthyroidism. The excessive production of hormones makes the thyroid increase in size.

2) Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland, which damages it and makes it swell. As a result, the thyroid is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone, causing hypothyroidism.

3) Inflammation

An inflammation of the thyroid can also cause a goiter.

4) Nodules

Solid or fluid-containing cysts may appear on the thyroid and cause it to swell. These nodules are often non-cancerous.

5) Thyroid cancer

Cancer may affect the thyroid, which causes swelling on one side of the gland. Thyroid cancer isn’t as common as the formation of benign nodules.

6) Pregnancy

Being pregnant can sometimes cause the thyroid to become larger.

The doctor will decide on a course of treatment based on the size and condition of the goiter, and symptoms associated with it. Treatment is also based on health problems that contribute to the goiter.