Growing a Goiter
The first time I ever saw I goiter I was freaked out and scared of ever developing one – even when I hadn’t the slightest idea of how such a monstrous thing could ever pop out of my neck. Of course, I was like 5. Still today, a goiter is not something I would like to sport around. Being this growth something taken out of a horror movie and an elder person condition – in my head, there are certain things any man (or woman for that matter) should know about goiters.
Goiters are growths in the thyroid gland. This gland is located at the base of the front side of the neck – picture the area right below your Adam’s apple and you’ll be right on track. This gland can become entirely enlarged, growths can present themselves as nodules and other varieties of enlargements. The problem these growths present for a person’s body is some cause excess production of thyroid hormone. This over or under production of the hormone can seriously affect a person’s health.
Perhaps you are thinking goiters affects women more than men. That is true. But nontheless, men too are affected by it. The over production (hyperthyroidism) or under production (hypothyroidism) of the thryroid hormone is what causes health issues. Certain diet elements may trigger goiter growth, including soybeans, cabbage and spinach, peaches and peanuts. Of course, goiter is only a possibility from eating these types of foods is you were to eat really large amounts of a given food, so there is little room to worry about this aspect. However, consider these foods can get in the way of your thyroid processing iodide.
Take into consideration that goiter problems run in the family. Therefore, if any family history related to this issue happens to be part of your medical record, play close attention to possible symptoms and consult with your doctor about the possibility of developing a goiter. No concern should be left unresolved. Age, medication, previous thyroid problems, living conditions, food processing and sex can all have a part in your developing a goiter.
Goiters can be either visually evident or may never display themselves, remaining undetected until a routine medical examination or ultrasound shows its presence. An ultrasound may also help determine the size of the gland and whether nodules are present or not. Radioactive iodide uptake is a test used to track the amount of iodide the thyroid takes within a given period. Another way of testing for goiter presence is through blood to determine whether the hormone level is normal or not.
Treatment involves getting the thyroid hormone levels back to normal, usually with medication. When the medication takes effect, the thyroid may begin to return to its normal size. However, a large nodular goiter with a lot of internal scar tissue will not shrink with treatment. If the goiter is uncomfortable, causes overproduction of thyroid hormone unresponsive to medications, or becomes cancerous, the entire thyroid gland may have to be surgically removed.
Fully developed goiter may require surgical removal, especially if discomfort or obstruction of the airways takes place. Before addressing surgery, treatment includes thyroid hormone leveling using medication, natural goiter recession and finally surgery. In the case of a goiter becoming cancerous, complete surgical removal of the gland may be necessary.
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