What should you know about goiter and hyperthyroidism?

The thyroid sits at the front of the neck and produces hormones that influence body processes. A goiter is swelling of this gland; it describes its size, not the reason for enlargement. With hyperthyroidism, excess thyroid hormone may cause a fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, diarrhoea, difficulty sleeping, feeling anxious or night sweats. A goiter may be smooth or nodular and may occur even when hormone levels are normal, so its appearance cannot identify the cause by itself.

Arrange a clinical assessment if you notice neck swelling, a tight collar feeling or a change in your voice. A clinician may examine the thyroid, ask about weight change and heartbeat symptoms, and arrange blood tests or imaging. Keep a record of symptoms, medicines and supplements, particularly products containing thyroid hormone or iodine. The [Hyperthyroidism] page explains the overactive-thyroid condition in more detail.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, inability to swallow, fainting, chest pain, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion or extreme agitation. Rapid worsening of heat intolerance with fever and marked weakness also needs emergency assessment. A new or quickly enlarging neck swelling should be assessed promptly.

Ask whether your thyroid hormone levels suggest hyperthyroidism, whether the swelling is diffuse or nodular, which tests are needed, and whether your heart rate or medicines require specific attention.