Goiter

Goiter is a health problem that can be defined as an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The task of the thyroid gland is to produce hormones that regulate metabolism in the body. The imbalance of these hormones causes the thyroid gland to enlarge and form a goiter. Goiter is a very common disorder worldwide and is more common especially in regions where iodine deficiency is common. In this article we have written for you, we will try to give you information about what goiter is, its symptoms and causes.

What Is Goiter?

Goiter is a condition caused by the enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck and produces hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate energy use and metabolism in the body. Goiter causes swelling and stiffness in the front of the neck due to the enlargement of the thyroid gland. Although goiter is usually benign, it can sometimes cause cancer of the thyroid gland.

What Are The Symptoms of Goiter?

The symptoms of goiter vary depending on the severity and type of the condition. Some people experience no symptoms, while others may experience:

• Swelling and stiffness in the front of the neck,
• Difficulty swallowing and breathing,
• Hoarseness,
• Cough,
• Weakness and fatigue,
• Weight changes,
• Irritability and insomnia,
• Tremors in hands and feet,
• Hair loss and dry skin ,

What Are The Causes of Goiter?

Various factors play a role in the formation of goiter. The main causes of goiter can be listed as follows;

• Iodine deficiency
• Hashimoto’s disease,
• Graves’ disease,
• Nodular goiter,
• Thyroid cancer,
• Pregnancy,
• Radiation therapy,

What Are The Factors that Increase The Risk Of Goiter?

Goiter is defined as an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland and is caused by the thyroid gland not working properly. Failure of the thyroid gland to function properly occurs due to insufficient or overproduction of thyroid hormones. Factors that increase the risk of goiter include;

Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency can cause goiter by putting pressure on the thyroid gland.

People with a family history of goiter have a higher risk of developing goiter.

Women are at higher risk of developing goiter than men. In addition, the risk of goiter increases with age.

Pregnancy and menopause periods increase the risk of developing goiter due to hormonal changes.

Radiation exposure, especially radiation therapy to the head and neck region during childhood, increases the risk of goiter.

Some substances in cigarettes increase the risk of goiter by affecting the use of iodine by the thyroid gland.

Some drugs, especially those that affect thyroid function, such as lithium and amiodarone, may increase the risk of goiter.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can cause goiter by damaging the thyroid gland.

How Is Goiter Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of goiter can be made by the patient’s symptoms, physical examination and laboratory tests. The methods used for the diagnosis of goiter are as follows;

• Physical examination
• Blood tests,
• Ultrasound
• Radioactive iodine scan,
• Fine needle aspiration biopsy,

After diagnosing goiter, the doctor will determine the appropriate course of treatment. Treatment varies depending on the cause of the goiter and the patient’s symptoms.

How Is Goiter Treated?

Goiter treatment varies depending on the cause of the disease and the severity of its symptoms. The basic methods of goiter treatment are as follows;

The most common cause of goiter is a deficiency or excess of thyroid hormones. In this case, doctors may recommend drug therapy to regulate the levels of thyroid hormones. In case of hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency), medications containing thyroid hormones are prescribed. In case of hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone), drugs that reduce the hormone production of the thyroid gland are used.

Radioactive iodine therapy is an effective method especially in case of hyperthyroidism. In this treatment, the patient is given radioactive iodine and the iodine accumulated in the thyroid gland destroys the cells that produce excess hormone. This reduces the size of the thyroid gland and improves hormone levels.

Surgical treatment may be required if the goiter becomes large and causes breathing or swallowing difficulties. Removal of all or part of the thyroid gland is called thyroidectomy. Thyroidectomy is usually performed in patients who do not respond to iodine therapy or drug therapy.

If the cause of the goiter is iodine deficiency, doctors may recommend iodine supplementation. Using iodized salt or consuming iodine-rich foods can help correct iodine deficiency.

Goiter treatment varies depending on the patient’s condition and symptoms. For this reason, it is important for people with suspected goiter to consult a doctor and determine the appropriate treatment method.

Is Goiter a Dangerous Disease?

Goiter is usually a non-dangerous and treatable condition. However, in some cases, goiter can lead to serious health problems. Possible complications of goiter can be listed as follows;

With the enlargement of the goiter, small masses called nodules may form in the thyroid gland. Most thyroid nodules are harmless, but some can be cancerous. Therefore, it is important to regularly check the nodules and, if necessary, perform a biopsy.

Goiter can lead to overwork (hyperthyroidism) or underfunction (hypothyroidism) of the thyroid gland. These conditions can cause decreased energy levels in the body, weight changes, and other health problems.

In cases of large goiter, the size of the thyroid gland can cause breathing and swallowing difficulties. This is a serious complication that reduces the quality of life and requires urgent treatment.

In rare cases, the thyroid gland may experience excessive hormone secretion (thyroid storm) due to goiter. This is a life-threatening condition that causes high fever, rapid heartbeat, and loss of consciousness and requires immediate treatment.

Although goiter is not a dangerous condition, in some cases it can lead to serious health problems. For this reason, it is important for people with goiter symptoms to consult a doctor and benefit from early diagnosis and treatment.

Goiter Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in making its name known to the world with its investments and Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Goiter Treatment Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be correct to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.