Goitre is a symptom of thyroid disease

A Goitre is simply an enlargement (swelling) of the thyroid gland.

It could mean that the whole thyroid gland is swollen or enlarged, or that one or more swellings or lumps develop in part or parts of the thyroid.
 
These growths/swellings are more common in women than men and are present on examination on up to 9% of the population.

A goitre can be caused by a range of factors, including:

1. Insufficient iodine in the diet.
2. High consumption of certain foods that neutralise iodine (eg cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower).
3. Soy
4. Certain drugs, such as lithium and phenylbutazone.
5. Thyroid cancer.
6. Nodules growing on the thyroid gland.
7. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland).
8. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).
9. ....and this is relevant because we know that hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause anxiety, panic attacks and depression.

Symptoms include:

Enlargement of the throat, ranging from a small lump to a huge mass.
Swallowing problems, if the mass is large enough to press on the oesophagus.
Breathing problems, if the mass is large enough to press on the windpipe (trachea).

Diagnosis methods:

A goitre, and its underlying causes, is diagnosed using a number of tests, including:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests - to check for thyroid hormone levels and particular antibodies
• Ultrasound scan
• Fine needle biopsy
• Radioactive iodine scan.

Treatment:

Treatment may not be necessary if the mass is not caused by disease and is small.
Removal of the mass may be necessary if it is causing difficulty with breathing or swallowing.

Treatment depends on the cause. Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism will usually require treatment for those conditions.