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Goiter

Inside views of a normal thyroid gland and an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)

Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. It can be caused by many things, including nodules, inflammation, and Graves' disease. Often goiter can be easily seen as a lump in the front of the neck, slightly to the left and/or right of centre. It may move up and down when a person swallows.

Current as of: March 1, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Matthew I. Kim MD - Endocrinology

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