goiter /goi′ter/ [L, guttur, throat] , an enlarged thyroid gland, usually evident as a pronounced swelling in the neck. It may be cystic or fibrous, containing nodules or an increased number of follicles. The goiter may surround a large blood vessel, or a part of the enlarged gland may be situated beneath the sternum or in the thoracic cavity. Also spelled goitre. See also diffuse goiter, Basedow’s goiter, cystic goiter, fibrous goiter, toxic goiter, wandering goiter. −goitrous, adj. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: The enlargement may be associated with hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or normal levels of thyroid function. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Treatment may include total or subtotal surgical removal, the administration of antithyroid drugs or radioiodine, or use of thyroid hormone to block the pituitary mechanism that releases thyroid-stimulating hormone. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: After thyroidectomy, maintenance therapy with thyroid hormone may be required.
