Other nontoxic goiter
A nontoxic goiter is a painless enlargement of the thyroid gland in your neck that does not affect your hormone levels.
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Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck that produces hormones to help control your metabolism, or how your body turns food into energy. A nontoxic goiter happens when this gland grows larger than it should be, but it does not produce too much or too little thyroid hormone.
The term 'nontoxic' specifically means your hormone levels are normal, so you do not experience the typical symptoms of a thyroid that is overactive or underactive. It is usually a benign, or non-cancerous, condition that occurs because the gland is struggling to keep up with your body's demands, causing it to grow in size to compensate.
Common Symptoms
- A visible swelling at the base of your neck.
- A feeling of tightness or fullness in the throat.
- Mild coughing.
- Difficulty swallowing, especially when trying to eat solid foods.
- Hoarseness or a change in your voice.