Goiter

Healthwise

Illustration of goiter

Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. It can be caused by many things, including nodules, inflammation, and Graves' disease. Often, goiter can be easily seen as a lump in the front of the neck, slightly to the left and/or right of center. It may move up and down when a person swallows.

The picture above shows a normal-sized thyroid and an enlarged thyroid.

Medical Review:
Last Updated: 04/12/2007