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Goiter is one of the most common thyroid disorders that affects millions of people around the world.In this article, we will take a closer look at this problem, starting with its definition, WHO classification, causes, symptoms, and ending with methods of diagnosis and treatment.Find out what an enlarged thyroid may mean and how to effectively deal with thyroid goiter.
What is thyroid goiter?
Goiter, also called thyroid tumor, is a condition in which the thyroid gland, a gland located at the front of the neck, becomes enlarged.This may lead to visible and palpable enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is one of the main symptoms of this disease.
Enlarged thyroid – who classification
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies thyroid cattle based on their size and structure.There are three main classifications of thyroid goiter according to WHO:
- Slight goiter
- Moderate goiter
- Significant goiter
This classification helps doctors determine the degree of thyroid enlargement and choose the appropriate treatment approach.
Thyroid goiter – what does it mean?
An enlarged thyroid can be the result of many different factors.The most common cause is dietary iodine deficiency, which leads to compensatory enlargement of the thyroid gland in order to produce more thyroid hormones.Other causes of goiter may include autoimmune diseases, thyroid tumors, infections, and heredity.
Thyroid goiter – types
There are different types of thyroid goiter, the most important of which are:
- Colloidal goiter
- Multinodular goiter
- Toxic goiter
Each type has its own characteristics and requires an individual approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Thyroid goiter – symptoms accompanying enlargement of the thyroid gland
The symptoms of thyroid goiter may be diverse and depend on the size and type of thyroid enlargement.Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling of pressure in the neck area
- Breathing problems, especially when lying down
- Abnormal functioning of the thyroid gland, which may lead to hormonal disorders
- Possible pain and discomfort in the thyroid area
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is worth consulting your doctor.
Thyroid goiter – diagnosis
Diagnosing goiter involves several different tests, including palpation of the thyroid gland, a blood test to assess thyroid hormone levels, and imaging tests such as thyroid ultrasound or scintigraphy.
Thyroid goiter – treatment
Treatment for thyroid goiter depends on the cause, type, and degree of thyroid enlargement.It may include hormone therapy, pharmacological treatment, and in some cases, surgical treatment, i.e. thyroidectomy, is necessary.The choice of treatment method depends on the patient’s individual situation and the doctor’s decision.
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Thyroid goiter is a serious condition that can significantly affect the patient’s quality of life.It is worth being aware of its causes, symptoms and treatment options in order to consult an appropriate specialist and take appropriate steps if this problem occurs.