An enlarged thyroid gland can cause difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or difficulty breathing. Very often people have no complaints and this condition is detected as an incidental finding on imaging for another condition. Sometimes the swelling is visible or palpable.
If you suspect an enlargement of the thyroid gland, it is best to contact your GP. Bring the results of a blood sample or imaging that have already been taken along with you to the endocrinology consultation. You are not required to fast. Additional scans include performing an ultrasound of the neck region, CT of the neck and isotope scan (thyroid scintigraphy). If nodules are detected, a puncture will often be performed. Cells are aspirated from the nodule using a fine needle and examined in the lab.
After diagnosis, we will discuss the best solution with you.
It is possible to opt for thyroid surgery. This procedure is performed under general anesthetic, in which the thyroid gland is completely or partially removed. If the thyroid gland is not only enlarged, but also overactive, it is possible to opt for treatment with radioactive iodine.
It may also be proposed to wait and monitor the further evolution of the thyroid volume.
Please contact your treating doctor for more information.
