What Are the Causes of a Swollen Thyroid?
The thyroid, located at the front of your neck, is a small butterfly shaped gland that is part of the body’s endocrine system. A swollen thyroid, or goiter, occurs when the gland swells to larger than normal. Large goiters, seen or felt at the base of the neck, may cause tightness in the throat, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. A swollen thyroid can increase or decrease the production of thyroid hormone and can present additional symptoms.
Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Graves' disease is when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing an overproduction of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. The excess hormones and increased stimulation of the gland causes the thyroid to swell. Hashimoto's disease is when the immune system causes damage to the thyroid and does not produce enough thyroid hormone. The pituitary gland produces more TSH, or thyroid stimulating hormone, to try to stimulate the thyroid, which can cause a goiter.
- Graves' disease is when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing an overproduction of the thyroid hormone thyroxine.
- Hashimoto's disease is when the immune system causes damage to the thyroid and does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
Thyroiditis
Can I Eat Seaweed If I Have Hyperthyroidism?
Learn More
Thyroiditis can cause temporary hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism. It is an inflammation of the thyroid gland, which may cause tenderness or pain to the neck, jaw or ears. Viruses, fever, medication, pregnancy or immune disorders may cause thyroidtitis, though often the cause is unknown.
Nodules
Nodules are lumps and bumps in the thyroid gland. Singular nodules, found on only part of the thyroid, are often found to be benign. A multinodular goiter is when multiple bumps develop on the thyroid, causing the entire gland to swell.
Thyroid Cancer
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Swollen/Enlarged Thyroid Gland?
Learn More
Thyroid cancer may present itself with a swollen nodule or cancerous growth on one side of the neck. According to the American Cancer Society, only around one in 20 nodules are found to be cancerous 2.
Iodine Deficiencies
Iodine, found in seawater and the soil of coastal areas, is needed to produce thyroid hormones. A diet deficient in iodine can cause an enlarged goiter. The thyroid swells in an effort to obtain more iodine from the body. Iodine deficiencies are not typically seen in First World countries, where iodine is added to foods and to table salt. People who reside at high elevations or inland and developing countries can be at risk for iodine deficiencies.
- Iodine, found in seawater and the soil of coastal areas, is needed to produce thyroid hormones.
- Iodine deficiencies are not typically seen in First World countries, where iodine is added to foods and to table salt.
Related Articles
References
- Deutsches Arzteblatt International: Euthyroid Goiter With and Without Nodules -- Diagnosis and Treatment
- American Cancer Society: What is Thyroid Cancer?
- American Family Physician: Hyperthyroidism -- Diagnosis and Treatment
- American Thyroid Association. General Information/Press Room.
- Pirahanchi Y, Jialal I. Physiology, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Updated April 25, 2019.
- AACC. Hashimoto Thyroiditis. Lab Tests Online. Updated October 18, 2019.
- DeGroot LJ. Graves’ Disease and the Manifestations of Thyrotoxicosis. [Updated 2015 Jul 11]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2015.
- Nguyen QT, Lee EJ, Huang MG, Park YI, Khullar A, Plodkowski RA. Diagnosis and treatment of patients with thyroid cancer. Am Health Drug Benefits. 2015;8(1):30-40.
- Bindra A, Braunstein GD. Thyroiditis. Am Fam Physician. 2006;73(10):1769-76.
- Medeiros-Neto G. Multinodular Goiter. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Updated September 26, 2016.
- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid). Published August 2016.
- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid). Published August 2016.
- Brent GA. Environmental exposures and autoimmune thyroid disease. Thyroid. 2010;20(7):755-61. doi:10.1089/thy.2010.1636
- Mcaninch EA, Bianco AC. The history and future of treatment of hypothyroidism. Ann Intern Med. 2016;164(1):50-6. doi:10.7326/M15-1799
- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Grave’s Disease. Published September 2017.
- Stagnaro-Green, A., Abalovich, M, Alexander, E. et. al. Guidelines of the American thyroid association for the diagnosis and management of thyroid disease during pregnancy and postpartum. Thyroid. 2011(21)10. doi:10.1089/thy.2011.0087
- Liu G, Liang L, Bray GA, et al. Thyroid hormones and changes in body weight and metabolic parameters in response to weight loss diets: the POUNDS LOST trial. Int J Obes (Lond). 2017;41(6):878-886. doi:10.1038/ijo.2017.28
- Bahn R, Burch H, Cooper D, et al. Hyperthyroidism and other causes of thyrotoxicosis: Management guidelines of the American Thyroid Association and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Endocrine Practice. 2011;17(3). doi:10.1089/thy.2010.0417
- Braverman L, Cooper D. Werner & Ingbar's The Thyroid, 10th Edition. WLL/Wolters Kluwer; 2012.
- Garber J, Cobin R, Gharib H, et. al. Clinical practice guidelines for hypothyroidism in adults: Cosponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association. Endocrine Practice. 2012;18(6). doi:10.1089/thy.2012.0205
- Haugen A, Alexander K., Bible K, et. al. 2015 American Thyroid Association Management guidelines for adult patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer. Thyroid. 2016;26(1):1-133. doi:10.1089/thy.2015.0020
- Smallridge R, Ain K, Asa S, et. al. American Thyroid Association guidelines for management of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer. Thyroid. 2012;22(11). doi:10.1089/thy.2012.0302
- Wells, S, Asa S, Dralle H, et. al. Revised American Thyroid Association guidelines for the management of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid. 2015;25(6). doi:10.1089/thy.2014.0335
Writer Bio
Rachel Venokur-Clark is a certified holistic health counselor through The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Venokur-Clark is trained in all the different dietary theories, Eastern and Western nutrition, modern health issues, personal growth and development, and health counseling.