Goitre

Last updated: Friday, 03, December, 2010
Key InformationAppropriate Tests

Clinical assessment, with TSH and diagnostic imaging (if appropriate), to define nature of the thyroid swelling, indicate presence of Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism.

Diffuse

FNAB may be helpful when an inflammatory or neoplastic process is suspected.

'Physiological', especially

  • Adolescence
  • Pregnancy

Iodine deficiency

Thyroiditis, especially

  • Hashimoto thyroiditis
  • De Quervain's disease

 

Thyroid antibodies. ESR

Graves' disease

 See under Hyperthyroidism.

Lymphoma (non-Hodgkin's)

See Lymphoma

Thyroid (anaplastic) carcinoma

Goitrogen exposure, especially

  • Iodides
  • Lithium

Brassica vegetables

Cassava

Biosynthetic defects 

The presence of hypothyroidism should be detected on Neonatal screening (elevated TSH levels).

Multinodular goitre

  • Non-toxic

  • Toxic

See Hyperthyroidism.

Solitary nodule

See Thyroid nodule/cyst.

FNAB may be helpful when an inflammatory or neoplastic process is suspected.