Definition

A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid. The thyroid is a gland. It produces hormones that help regulate your body’s metabolism. It is located on the front of the neck, right below the Adam’s apple. Goiters are seldom painful. They tend to grow slowly.

There are different types of goiters. This sheet focuses on nontoxic (or sporadic) goiter. It is a type of simple goiter that may be:

• Diffuse—enlarging the whole thyroid gland
• Nodular—enlargement caused by nodules, or lumps, on the thyroid

The development of nodules marks a progression of the goiter. It should be evaluated by your doctor.

Goiter (Enlargement of the Thyroid Gland)

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