Goitre

Goitre is a non-specific enlargement of the thyroid gland, making it easily palpable and often visible. There are numerous causes but worldwide, the most common is a dietary deficiency of iodine. A very large goitre may cause compression of lower cervical and superior mediastinal structures including the trachea, making breathing difficult. CT scanning can confirm the diagnosis and define the extent of any retrosternal extension. Non-surgical options include tracheal stenting where there is breathing difficulty and the patient is not suitable for surgery. Calcified nodules within a goitre can be seen on X-ray