Goiter
Types: Disease, Symptom
Definition
An abnormal, often visible enlargement of the thyroid gland in the neck.
Clinical Details
In the earlier stages of the disease, heavy infiltration by immune cells causes the thyroid gland to swell with inflammation. Furthermore, as hormone levels drop, the pituitary secretes excess TSH to stimulate the failing gland, causing it to hypertrophy. This presents as a painless but physically prominent swelling at the base of the neck.