What a goitre is
A goitre is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which sits at the front of the neck. It can show up as a visible swelling or lump in the lower neck, and sometimes a feeling of tightness. A goitre isn't a diagnosis in itself — it's a sign that something is affecting the thyroid, and the thyroid can be underactive, overactive or working normally.
Goitres are more common in women and become more likely with age.
What causes it
Causes include autoimmune thyroid conditions (like Hashimoto's or Graves' disease), iodine imbalance, thyroid nodules (lumps within the gland), and, less commonly, thyroid inflammation. Sometimes a goitre develops without an obvious cause. The right tests — thyroid blood tests and often an ultrasound — help work out why.
Most goitres are benign, but any new neck swelling should be checked to find the cause and rule out anything concerning.
How it's treated
Treatment depends entirely on the cause and whether the thyroid is over- or underactive. A small goitre with normal thyroid function may just be monitored. If there's an underlying thyroid disorder, treating that (for example, thyroid hormone replacement or medication for an overactive thyroid) is the focus. Larger goitres causing pressure symptoms, or suspicious nodules, may need further tests or, occasionally, surgery.
If you've noticed a neck swelling or have thyroid symptoms, see a GP. A telehealth consult can arrange the blood tests and imaging needed to sort it out.
Related condition
Thyroid health →References & sources
- 1.Hypothyroidism — healthdirect
- 2.Thyroid gland — healthdirect
- 3.Thyroid gland — Better Health Channel
This content is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please consult a GP for your personal situation.
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