If the thyroid gland is enlarged, the condition is known as " goiter " ( goiter ). Presence of goiter not only indicate that the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, but can also indicate a more serious health problems, such as thyroid disorders or even cancer .
Enlargement of the thyroid can cause pain or discomfort . Enlargement of the thyroid can cause a change in sound quality, obstruct the airway, and may cause choking certain foods or liquids.
Here are some health problems that can cause enlarged thyroid gland :
1 . Graves disease
Graves' disease is an autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism with components . Antibodies in the immune system mistakenly see the thyroid as " the enemy " and launched an attack.
This causes the glands to be stimulated to produce excess thyroid hormone excess. Eventually deteriorate and thyroid gland to be formed.
2. Hashimoto's disease
As with Graves' disease, Hashimoto's disease is also an autoimmune disorder. However, rather than producing excess thyroid, or hypothyroidism condition is triggered causing the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient amount of hormones.
Nonetheless, the pituitary gland continues to send thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to the thyroid, thus worsening the condition of the thyroid gland and causes it to undergo enlargement.
3. Solitary thyroid nodules and nodules (thyroid nodule)
Enlargement of the thyroid gland can produce multiple nodules are solid or fluid-filled nodules that grow in both lobes of the thyroid or a single nodule that grows only on one side of the thyroid.
In most cases, these nodules are benign and do not have the potential to develop into cancer.
4. Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is less common than thyroid nodules. Type enlargement usually occurs only on one side of the thyroid gland.
5. thyroiditis
Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that can be caused by medical conditions or sometimes after pregnancy. Some forms of thyroiditis caused by a bacterial infection, but this is very rare.
Although thyroiditis may occur because of its association with Hashimoto's disease and Graves' disease, but generally only temporary.
6. Iodine deficiency
Fuel needed to produce thyroid hormones is iodine. Because iodine is added to table salt and other food, people living in industrialized countries almost never have an enlarged thyroid due to iodine deficiency.
Mumps is more common in people in developing countries where access to foods rich in iodine and sea salt is still limited.
