Question

What is goiter ? What causes goiter ?

Answer 1

Goiter is the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, just in front of the windpipe (trachea). It produces thyroid hormones, which help to regulate the body’s metabolism (the process that turns food into energy). Swelling in the thyroid gland also results in the swelling of the neck or larynx.

It is also known as iodine deficiency disorder because iodine deficiency is the most common cause of the prevalence of goiter. It is one of the leading causes of hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism (Underactive thyroid gland): Goiter can also develop if the thyroid gland becomes underactive (hypothyroidism).