Goiter
Goiter means enlargement of the thyroid gland. It may be diffuse or nodular, simple or toxic. The plan depends on the cause, the hormone status and whether the goiter causes pressure on the windpipe or oesophagus.
Many goiters can be followed medically. Surgery becomes the preferred option when there are pressure symptoms, suspicious nodules, retrosternal extension or uncontrolled hyperthyroidism.
What Is Goiter?
Goiter refers to enlargement of the thyroid gland for any reason. It may be visible from the outside or only seen on ultrasound. Iodine status, autoimmune disease, nodules and family history all play a role.
Goiter is not a single diagnosis — proper evaluation looks at hormone tests, ultrasound features and pressure symptoms together.
Types of Goiter
Simple (non-toxic) goiter, multinodular goiter, toxic goiter (Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goiter, toxic adenoma), retrosternal goiter and goiter caused by thyroiditis are all evaluated differently.
Symptoms
- Visible neck swelling
- Pressure or tightness in the neck
- Swallowing difficulty
- Breathlessness, especially lying down
- Hoarseness
- Symptoms of over- or under-active thyroid
Diagnosis and Assessment
- TSH, free T4, free T3
- Thyroid antibodies when relevant
- Neck ultrasound with TIRADS
- FNA biopsy for suspicious nodules
- Scintigraphy in toxic goiter
- Neck CT for retrosternal extension
Treatment Options
- Periodic follow-up in stable simple goiter
- Medical therapy for hormone imbalance
- Antithyroid drugs or radioactive iodine in selected toxic goiter
- Surgery in pressure, suspicious nodule or uncontrolled toxic goiter
When Is Surgery Considered?
- Pressure on windpipe or oesophagus
- Retrosternal (chest) extension
- Suspicious nodule on biopsy
- Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism
- Rapid growth or large cosmetic concern
Surgical Methods
- Lobectomy in selected unilateral disease
- Total thyroidectomy for bilateral or toxic goiter
- Intraoperative nerve monitoring
- Parathyroid preservation
Preoperative Preparation
- Hormone status optimised before surgery
- Ultrasound and CT when retrosternal
- Anaesthetic assessment
- Plan for blood thinners
Postoperative Follow-up
- Calcium and vitamin D as prescribed
- Hormone replacement when total removal
- Voice rest and wound care
- Follow-up ultrasound and hormones
Risks and Safe Surgery
- Voice change
- Low calcium
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Wound infection
- Scar
Process in Antalya
Bring your hormone tests, ultrasound and any CT to the consultation; a plan for examination, any surgery and follow-up is made in Antalya after the physician's assessment.
When to Seek Urgent Care
- • Sudden breathlessness
- • Rapidly enlarging neck mass
- • Severe palpitations or chest pain in toxic goiter
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
Appointments and Directions
WhatsApp and email are for administrative matters such as appointments and directions only. Please do not send health data or medical documents (ultrasound, biopsy/pathology, blood tests, images, reports, prescriptions, symptom summaries or ID documents); no diagnosis, treatment advice or pre-assessment is given by message. In an emergency call 112 (in Türkiye) or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency department.
This information is provided for general patient education only and does not replace diagnosis, treatment or a surgical decision. Personal evaluation requires a clinical examination and the necessary tests.
Content update date: 24 September 2026 · Responsible for content: Op.Dr.Gökhan ATEŞ · atesdr@yahoo.com
Thyroid & Goiter Surgery Antalya · Özel Antalya Medicalpark Hastanesi