Thyroid Goitre

A goitre is an enlarged thyroid gland.

It may be diffusely enlarged (such as in the case of Graves disease) or have multiple nodules (called a multi-nodular goitre).

A goitre may require surgery if:

  • It causes pressure symptoms (such as difficulty swallowing or breathing).
  • It is overactive (produces too much thyroid hormone).
  • It has suspicious or cancerous nodules.
  • It has enlarged down into the chest (retrosternal goitre).
    OR
  • Is unsightly (for cosmetic purposes).