According to MedlinePlus, the thyroid produces a hormone called thyroxine, or T4, which is used to balance the body’s metabolism. The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center reports that enlargements of the thyroid glands can be categorized as either goiters or nodules. Nodules are not very serious and can easily be treated, while goiters are harder to treat and can sometimes lead to complications when left untreated for too long.
Difficulty in Swallowing and Breathing
Difficulty in swallowing and breathing can be seen in patients with enlarged thyroid complications. According to MayoClinic.com, the thyroid gland is situated exactly at the front and to the sides of the neck. The enlargement of the thyroid gland therefore causes it to easily push itself against the other delicate structures at the front of the neck, causing pain when swallowing and breathing difficulty.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism can result as a complication in patients with enlarged thyroid glands. According to MayoClinic.com, hyperthyroidism describes having an overactive thyroid gland that produces higher levels of the aforementioned thyroxine hormone. MayoClinic.com adds that too much of this hormone leads to an accelerated body metabolism which leads to sudden weight loss.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can also result from having an enlarged thyroid. Hypothyroidism is described by MayoClinic.com as having an under-active thyroid gland which does not produce as much of the thyroxine hormone as it is supposed to. Hypothyroidism rarely manifests any symptoms in its early stages, but later leads to chemical imbalances that can cause conditions like obesity.
