A goiter is enlargement of the thyroid gland, sometimes with visible neck swelling or pressure symptoms.
The main symptom is a swelling at the front of the neck. Some people also notice a cough, hoarse voice, a feeling of fullness in the throat, or difficulty swallowing.
Imaging helps show the size of the thyroid, whether it is smooth or nodular, and whether there are suspicious areas or pressure effects on nearby structures.
Ultrasound helps show the thyroid size, internal texture, and any nodules that may need closer assessment.
Treatment depends on symptoms, thyroid function, and whether there are suspicious nodules, and may include medicines, monitoring, or surgery.
This entry explains the condition. The next step is having a radiologist interpret your specific scan, not a general definition.
