Goiter
A goiter is enlargement of the thyroid gland, sometimes with visible neck swelling or pressure symptoms.
When to get help quickly: Urgent review is more important if the swelling is affecting breathing, causes wheezing, or is rapidly getting worse.
Common 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.
When imaging helps
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.
What radiology does
Ultrasound helps show the thyroid size, internal texture, and any nodules that may need closer assessment.
What usually happens next
Treatment depends on symptoms, thyroid function, and whether there are suspicious nodules, and may include medicines, monitoring, or surgery.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.