Enlarged Thyroid Symptoms

Thyroids are small glands in the front of the neck that regulate all aspects of body function through the production and releasing of hormones. Diseases that affect the thyroids can have a devastating impact on an individual's overall health. Thyroid enlargement is caused by a number of conditions, including goiters, hyperthyroidism (such as Grave's disease), hypothyroidism (such as Hashimoto's disease), nodules and thyroid cancer. The symptoms vary depending upon the underlying cause.

Goiters

• The word "goiter" sometimes is used to refer to any type of thyroid enlargement, however it also implies a specific condition (benign thyroid disease). A goiter entails that the thyroid has grown so large it can be seen on X-rays and ultrasounds, which may make a person's neck area visibly larger. Goiters are often sensitive to touch, and because they push on the esophagus and windpipe, they can cause coughing, hoarseness and shortness of breath. Sufferers also may experience sensations of choking that can be irritated by neckties and turtlenecks.

Hyperthyroidism

• Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by the overproduction of hormones. Thyroid enlargement due to hyperthyroidism can be accompanied by symptoms such as irritability, nervousness, increased perspiration, irregular hear rate, diarrhea, weight loss, hand tremors, lighter periods in women and erectile dysfunction in men. A specific type of hyperthyroidism, Grave's disease, is often responsible for enlarged thyroids. In these cases, accompanying symptoms also include swollen, bulging or itchy eyes and muscle weakness.

Hypothyroidism

• Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by the underproduction of hormones. Thyroid enlargement due to hypothyroidism can be accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, coldness, slowed heart rate, weight gain, constipation, heavier periods in women and erectile dysfunction in men. Hashimoto's disease, a specific type of hypothyroidism, often causes thyroid enlargement. Accompanying symptoms in these cases also include difficulty concentrating, difficulty swallowing, early onset of graying hair and infertility in women.

Nodules

• Enlarged thyroids can be indicative of nodules, which are cysts or lumps filled with liquids or solids. These sufferers bounce between hyperthyroidic and hypothyroidic symptoms. While neck tenderness, difficulty swallowing and feeling full are common symptoms, often nodules (and thyroid enlargement) can be present without any outward signs.

Thyroid Cancer

• Sometimes enlarged thyroids are indicative of thyroid cancer, especially when they grow rapidly. Thyroid cancer is caused by malignant nodules, which can be identified by being firm to the touch. Symptoms associated with cancer-induced thyroid enlargement are the same as nodule symptoms. While nodules commonly occur, only 5 percent are cancerous.