1. Identify the Symptoms
A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland and is usually caused by a lack of iodine in your diet. A goiter can appear as a lump on the side of your neck just under the jawline. The size of this lump can vary according to the severity of the condition, ranging from a small nodule to a swelling of the entire side of your neck. In severe cases, a goiter can obstruct breathing, swallowing and eating, and can lead to more serious conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer.
2. Identify the Risk Factors for Goiters
Goiters are primarily caused by a lack of iodine in the diet. If you live in an area where the soil has been depleted of iodine through agricultural factors, then goiters can be quite common among the population. Goiters can also be caused by heredity, so you should check your family history if you identify a lump in your neck. Women over the age of 40 are also at high risk for developing goiters due to fluctuations in the thyroid gland.
3. Have Your Doctor Diagnose the Lump
If you develop a lump or nodule on the side of your neck, you should visit your doctor immediately to discount the possibility of a more serious medical condition. Your doctor will perform a series of tests to identify the presence of a goiter, such as a thyroid stimulating hormone test (TSH) or a free thyroxine test (T4). A thyroid scan and ultrasound may also be performed to locate the position of the thyroid gland in your throat, and to determine whether there is any obstruction to your esophagus or windpipe. Your doctor will also perform a simple physical examination to identify the goiter. This may involve feeling your neck as you swallow, or watching for signs of respiratory distress such as wheezing.
