Early symptoms of goiter

Most goiter has no symptoms, but in some people the enlargement is more pronounced and may show symptoms of local compression. The thyroid gland is located at the front and lower part of the neck, above the thyroid cartilage, below the trachea, next to the esophagus, and closely connected to the glottis. If the thyroid gland is enlarged due to iodine deficiency or some inflammation, most of the thyroid gland has no clinical symptoms, but because the enlargement is obvious, it may show symptoms of local compression, hoarseness, or mild difficulty breathing or swallowing. When neck discomfort is shown, the doctor will conduct a detailed examination, and observation and hand touch will help determine the degree of thyroid enlargement. In addition, the doctor will further measure thyroid hormone levels to help assess whether there is a problem with thyroid function. The doctor will combine the symptoms of goiter and thyroid hormone levels to help diagnose simple goiter, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and then treat them accordingly.