Goitre

The term “goitre” simply refers to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The swelling of thyroid gland which further leads to a swelling of the neck or larynx (voice box). It can be associated with a thyroid gland that is functioning properly or not. The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, just in front of the windpipe (trachea). It produces thyroid hormones, which helps to regulate the body’s metabolism (the process that turns food into energy). A swelling of thyroid gland can further lead to a swelling of the neck or larynx (voice box).

Goitre is also known as Iodine deficiency disorder as Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of prevalence of goitre. It is estimated that more than 1.5 billion people in the world are at risk from iodine deficiency disorders out of which about 200 million people reside in India.

Types of goitre: There are two different types of goitre:

Diffuse small goitre, where your entire thyroid gland swells to a larger size and feels smooth to the touch
Nodular goitre, where certain sections, or “nodules”, of your thyroid gland swell and feel lumpy to the touch