Abnormal enlargement of thyroid gland (commonly known as "big neck disease") is generally neither a tumor nor a cancer. Although goiter generally does not cause pain, it can cause symptoms such as coughing, swallowing or dyspnea.
How common is goiter, especially women are more likely to get sick than men, and people of any age may suffer from goiter.
Schematic diagram of goiter
Causes of goiter:
1. Insufficient iodine intake: iodine is an essential element for human body to make thyroid hormone. Insufficient iodine intake in the diet can lead to this symptom. People who live in areas with insufficient iodine supply and do not get enough iodine are high-risk patients with goiter.
Second, Gray's disease (also known as exophthalmos thyroma): Goiter is sometimes caused by the thyroid gland secreting too much thyroid hormone (also known as hyperthyroidism). Gray's disease is an antibody produced by the body, which mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hyperthyroidism and excessive secretion of thyroxine. This overstimulation of the thyroid gland can lead to goiter.
Third, Hashimoto's disease (also known as autoimmune hypothyroidism): Goiter can also cause hypothyroidism due to insufficient and low thyroid function. Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disease, just like Gray's disease. However, Hashimoto's disease leads to insufficient thyroid secretion, which in turn damages the thyroid. When the concentration of thyroid hormone in your body is insufficient, the submandibular gland will secrete more thyrotropin to stimulate the thyroid gland, resulting in goiter.
Schematic diagram of goiter
4. Multinodular goiter: On both sides of your thyroid, there will be hard or fluid-filled lumps, also known as thyroid nodules, which will lead to the overall enlargement of lymph glands.
5. Isolated thyroid nodule: On one side of your thyroid gland, there will be a single nodule. Most nodules are benign and will not cause cancer.
Sixth, thyroid cancer: Compared with benign thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer is relatively rare.
Seven, pregnancy: a hormone secreted by women during pregnancy-human chorionic gonadotropin, may cause the thyroid gland to become slightly larger.
Eight, inflammation: thyroiditis is due to inflammation of the thyroid gland, causing pain and swelling; Inflammation may lead to excessive or insufficient secretion of thyroxine.