This is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Not all goiters cause symptoms, but when symptoms do occur they may include a visible swelling at the base of the neck or a tight feeling in the throat. Although goiters are usually painless, in some cases the throat/airway can be affected, causing difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, or trouble swallowing.
The underlying causes of goiters include lack of iodine in the diet (which is rare in the United States), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), thyroid nodules that develop in the gland itself or thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis)
Treatment depends on the goiter size, symptoms and the underlying cause. Small goiters that don’t cause problems generally don’t need treatment.
How Does TVC Help People with Goiter?
TVC clinicians can help to diagnose goiter by ordering a thyroid ultrasound on patients who either have symptoms suggestive of goiter, have one of the underlying causes, or are just concerned and wish to be screened for goiter. If patients have a known goiter, TVC clinicians will monitor its size by ordering a thyroid ultrasound at recommended intervals, will professionally interpret the findings, and will provide recommendations on monitoring or treating the underlying cause.
TVC clinicians will be available to answer any questions you may have, and will make any appropriate adjustments to your treatment plan, after communicating with you via our secure patient portal. TVC clinicians are always available to you via secure messaging, video/audio conferencing, or live chat.
The Thyroid Virtual Clinic is now available in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Florida!
You can keep up with recent developments – including updates as we expand availability to other locations – and the latest in better thyroid health by joining our email list. Just fill out the form below!
