What Is A Multinodular Goiter?
A multinodular goiter occurs when the thyroid becomes enlarged and multiple nodules develop. These nodules are small lumps that appear on the thyroid. A goiter may continue to grow in size and, in some cases, may even begin to grow downwards into the chest. As the thyroid enlarges, it can compress local structures like the trachea (windpipe) and the esophagus (food pipe), which can cause noticeable symptoms like trouble speaking or swallowing.
Multinodular goiters can be either toxic or nontoxic. Toxic multinodular goiters produce too many thyroid hormones – a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Nontoxic goiters do not cause any hormonal imbalances.
What Causes Multinodular Goiters?
There are numerous factors that can contribute to the formation of a multinodular goiter, including:
| CAUSES OF MULTINODULAR GOITERS |
| Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) |
| Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) |
| Iodine deficiency |
| Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease |
| Age (older patients are at a higher risk) |
| Family history of goiters or multinodular goiters |
| Family history of thyroid nodules or other thyroid diseases |
What Are The Symptoms Of A Multinodular Goiter?
Multinodular goiter symptoms vary from patient to patient. Most smaller goiters are asymptomatic. Patients with larger nodular goiters may experience difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing; this is because the goiter can compress the windpipe or food pipe. Noticeable lumps around the throat or a full feeling in the neck may also be present. Symptoms of nodular goiters are difficult to detect without a professional evaluation by a qualified thyroid specialist.
| MULTINODULAR GOITER SYMPTOMS |
| SMALLER GOITERS ARE USUALLY ASYMPTOMATIC |
| LUMPS AROUND THE THROAT (MAY OR MAY NOT BE VISIBLE) |
| ISSUES TALKING |
| DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING |
| TROUBLE BREATHING |
| FULL FEELING IN THE THROAT OR NECK |