What are major complications of goiter?

an enlarged thyroid, or goitre, which may cause problems with swallowing and breathing. high cholesterol and associated heart disease. nerve damage causing tingling, numbness and pain in the legs, arms or other affected areas. infertility.

Is a thyroid goiter life threatening?

Is a goiter dangerous? Goiters are relatively common. They are prevalent in about 5% of people in the United States. A goiter is typically not dangerous, unless the underlying cause of thyroid enlargement is a thyroid cancer.

What are the signs and symptoms of toxic goiter?

Symptoms

Fatigue.
Frequent bowel movements.
Heat intolerance.
Increased appetite.
Increased sweating.
Irregular menstrual period (in women)
Muscle cramps.
Nervousness.

Is thyroid is a serious problem?

If your body makes too much thyroid hormone, you can develop a condition called hyperthyroidism. If your body makes too little thyroid hormone, it’s called hypothyroidism. Both conditions are serious and need to be treated by your healthcare provider.

Can a goiter cause death?

Most goiters are benign, causing only cosmetic disfigurement. Morbidity or mortality may result from compression of surrounding structures, thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism.

Can goiter go away on its own?

A simple goiter may disappear on its own, or may become larger. Over time, the thyroid gland may stop making enough thyroid hormone. This condition is called hypothyroidism. In some cases, a goiter becomes toxic and produces thyroid hormone on its own.

What causes goiter to grow?

Iodine deficiency is the main cause of goiters. Iodine is essential to helping your thyroid produce thyroid hormones. When you don’t have enough iodine, the thyroid works extra hard to make thyroid hormone, causing the gland to grow larger.