Goitre
Diagnosis
If you think you have a goitre, see your GP. They can examine your neck to see if there's any thyroid gland swelling. They may request blood tests to check if your thyroid gland is working properly.
Goitres are usually small and do not cause symptoms. A large goitre may cause coughing, a tight throat, hoarseness and difficulty swallowing.
Treatments for a goitre include medicines, hormone therapy and sometimes surgery. Goitres with no symptoms do not usually need treatment.
Causes for a goitre include problems with your thyroid gland, puberty, the menopause and not enough iodine in your diet.
Page last reviewed: 15/04/2019
Next review due: 15/04/2022