A goiter is the general medical term for an enlarged thyroid gland. It can be caused by various conditions, including iodine deficiency (the most common cause worldwide, leading to endemic goiter), autoimmune diseases (Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis), multinodular goiter, thyroiditis, or thyroid cancer. A goiter may be diffuse (uniformly enlarged) or nodular (containing one or more lumps). It can be associated with normal thyroid function (euthyroid), overactivity (hyperthyroid), or underactivity (hypothyroid). A large goiter can cause visible swelling in the front of the neck, and may lead to symptoms of compression, such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), difficulty breathing (dyspnea), hoarseness (due to recurrent laryngeal nerve compression), or a feeling of tightness. Treatment depends on the cause, size, symptoms, and functional status of the thyroid.

Break down complex topics into smaller, manageable chunks for easier recall.

Zambia

• Joseph Soko – 101 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies