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What is the reason for a Goiter?

I just had an US and they told me that both lobes of my thyroid are unusually large but there are absolutely no nodules so there is nothing to worry about.  They did blood tests and everything was within normal range too. Is there a reason the thyroid gland grew that big within the last 2 months for no reason whatsoever? And how can I get it to shrink? I have to wear scarves to cover it up because people always ask me why my neck is so big! My husband seems to think it could be something serious, especially because Thyroid diseases and Cancer runs in my family.  Help! Thanks.
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Avatar universal
Thanks so much! Would you happen to know what the test for antibodies is called on the blood test report, so I can look to see if that was done? Thanks again!
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Avatar universal
If test for antibodies will be negative and inflammatory process can be ruled out, you may want to evaluate your diet as some foods can cause thyroid enlargement.
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Avatar universal
Thanks! Do you know what I should do?
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The volume your thyroid is only about 12% larger then the upper size normal limit established by WHO (2003), however it is about 70 % larger then the average size. The "coarse" (heterogeneous) echotexture is the sign of inflammatory process.
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Avatar universal
Thanks Barb! Yes, people are rude for pointing out the goiter, but most of them *I think* are only asking out of concern.  

I only have the ultrasound report with me and all it says is the measurements and that no nodules were spotted. I never got the blood test report, but I know for a fact they checked T3, T4, and TSH.  Maybe I'll get a copy of it when I have my next appointment in a few weeks.

I hope whatever you have to wake up that early for tomorrow goes well! :)
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
A goiter is an enlarged thyroid.  In a lot of cases, it's not serious, so I don't think it's time to panic yet.  For those who ask about your neck, just tell them that if they don't be careful, it will jump out and get them, or you can tell them how rude they are for even mentioning it or you can ignore them, or give a simple answer...... I, personally, prefer the last option... yeah, I've been asked the same questions.  My answer used to be "my doctor is looking into it, but I don't think it's anything to worry about".... now, that I've been diagnosed, the answer is "I have a thyroid problem and am getting treatment for it"

You said the blood tests were "within normal range" -- this is what scares me, because all too often, we see people with labs in range, but still not well.  

With that in mind, let's start with some basics -- what lab tests have been done?  You should have a minimum of Free T3, Free T4, TSH to test thyroid function, along with TPOab and TGab to test for antibodies to confirm/rule out an autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis).  

It's entirely possible to have thyroid labs within normal ranges, yet have a goiter (swollen/enlarged thyroid) if you have Hashimoto's.  That's an autoimmune disease, in which your body sees the thyroid gland as a "foreign object" and produces antibodies to attack and get rid of it...... this process can take anywhere from months to years...... but the process is the same; the antibodies attack the thyroid and as they destroy the tissue, the thyroid produces less and less of the necessary hormones you need.   These hormones control body temperature, heart rate, metabolism, etc.......

The most important question is: what if any symptoms do you have?  What prompted the tests?  

Now, I've just given you a bit of background information, to help you understand what MIGHT be happening; however, without lab results, we can't know for sure.......

Please post whatever lab results you have, along with reference ranges, as these vary from lab to lab.... this will help members comment more fully on your situation.

Since I have to get up really early in the morning (3:30 am), I'll be off to bed, but there may other members, that don't go to bed with the chickens, who will contribute more.  I'll check in again in the morning....

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Avatar universal
Not sure what you mean by echotexture, but here are the size measurements:

right lobe 5.5 x 1.9 x 2cm and left lobe 5.2 x 1.6 x 1.6cm

Thanks.
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Avatar universal
Can you be more specific about the size and echotexture of the thyroid?
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