Goiter

Your doctor will check for neck for swelling. They’ll also order a number of diagnostic tests that include these below:

Blood tests

Blood tests can detect changes in hormone levels and an increased production of antibodies, which are produced in response to an infection or injury or overactivity of immune system.

Thyroid scan

Your doctor may order scans of your thyroid. This is usually done when your thyroid level is elevated. These scans show the size and condition of your goiter, overactivity of some parts or whole thyroid.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound produces images of your neck, the size of your goiter, and whether there are nodules. Over time, an ultrasound can track changes in those nodules and the goiter.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure that involves taking small samples of your thyroid nodules if present. The samples are sent to a laboratory for examination.

Your doctor will decide on a course of treatment based on the size and condition of your goiter, and symptoms associated with it. Treatment is also based on health problems that contribute to the goiter.

Medications

If you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, medications to treat these conditions may be enough to shrink a goiter. Medications (corticosteroids) to reduce your inflammation may be used if you have thyroiditis.

Surgeries

Surgical removal of your thyroid, known as thyroidectomy, is an option if yours grows too large or doesn’t respond to medication therapy.

Radioactive iodine

In people with toxic multinodular goiters, radioactive iodine (RAI) may be necessary. The RAI is ingested orally, and then travels to your thyroid through your blood, where it destroys the overactive thyroid tissue.

Home care

Depending on your type of goiter, you may need to increase or decrease your iodine intake at home.

If a goiter is small and doesn’t cause any problems, you may require no treatment at all.