Enlarged Thyroid
Type: Symptom
Definition
A visible swelling at the base of the neck.
Clinical Details
Because the body cannot produce adequate thyroid hormones without iodine, the pituitary gland continuously releases Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). The constant stimulation causes the thyroid tissue to hypertrophy and multiply in a desperate attempt to trap any available circulating iodine. The gland can grow large enough to become a substantial cosmetic and physical deformity.