Goitre

Goitre
Other namesGoiter
Diffuse hyperplasia of the thyroid
SpecialtyEndocrinology
CausesIodine deficiency, autoimmune disease, tumors, cyanide poisoning

A goitre (British English), or goiter (American English), is a swelling in the neck resulting from an enlarged thyroid gland. A goitre can be associated with a thyroid that is not functioning properly.

Worldwide, over 90% of goitre cases are caused by iodine deficiency. The term is from the Latin gutturia, meaning throat. Most goitres are not cancerous (benign), though they may be potentially harmful.

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