Goitre

A goitre is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which lies across the front of the neck just below the larynx (Adam's apple). The swelling is initially smooth and uniform, but as years go by, it may become bumpy and knobbly and can grow up to almost to double the width of the neck.

Goitres are common in parts of the world that suffer from iodine deficiency; however, in the UK, they are more likely to develop as a result of other medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid gland), hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid gland) or Graves' disease. They may also occur during puberty and pregnancy as a normal feature without any underlying disease. Women are five times more prone to goitre than men.

To find out more about the causes, symptoms, means of diagnosis and methods of treatment for goitre, simply select an item from the menu below.