What are the treatment options for goitre?

A goitre is an enlarged thyroid gland at the front of the neck. The thyroid may be underactive, overactive or working normally, and enlargement can be diffuse or related to nodules. A GP consultation can examine the neck and arrange a thyroid function test.

If thyroid levels are normal and the goitre is small and stable, monitoring may be appropriate. An underactive thyroid may be treated with replacement hormone. An overactive thyroid may need medicine, radioactive iodine or surgery, depending on the cause and its effects.

Keep follow-up appointments so thyroid blood results, neck size and symptoms can be reviewed. Do not start iodine supplements or thyroid products without medical advice, because excess iodine can affect thyroid function.

Surgery may be considered when a goitre causes pressure, swallowing or breathing problems, grows, or needs removal for another clinical reason. Radioactive iodine can reduce an overactive thyroid or shrink some goitres; your specialist will explain precautions and possible long-term hormone replacement.

Arrange assessment for a new or enlarging neck swelling, voice change, persistent cough or trouble swallowing. Seek urgent help for sudden breathing difficulty, choking or rapidly increasing swelling.

Ask what your thyroid function test shows, whether nodules need further assessment, how often the goitre should be checked, and which treatment is safest if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.