GoiterFrom our partner site on diet & exercise, MyDietExercise.com.
A goiter only needs to be treated if it is causing symptoms. The enlarged thyroid can be treated with radioactive iodine to shrink the gland or with surgical removal of part or all of the gland (thyroidectomy). Small doses of iodine (Lugol's or potassium iodine solution) may help when the goiter is due to iodine deficiency. Expectations (prognosis): advertisement A goiter is a benign (harmless) process. A simple goiter may disappear on its own, or may become large. Over time, hypothyroidism (not enough thyroid hormone) may develop due to destruction of the normal thyroid tissue. This can be treated with medications to replace the thyroid hormone. Occasionally, a goiter may progress to a toxic nodular goiter when a nodule is making thyroid hormone on its own. This can cause hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) and can be treated with radioactive iodine to destroy the nodule. Complications:
Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if you experience any swelling or enlargement in the front of your neck, increased resting pulse rate, or rapid heartbeats. Also call if you have diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sweating without exercise or increased room temperature, shaking, agitation, shortness of breath, or signs of hypothyroidism such as fatigue, constipation, or dry skin.
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