Understanding Enlarged Thyroid Gland (Goiter): Causes & Conditions

An enlarged thyroid gland is known as a goiter. It can be caused by hypertrophy (increase in the size of cells) and hyperplasia (increase in the number of cells) of the thyroid gland.

Several conditions can cause a goiter, including:

- Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that leads to overproduction of thyroid hormone

- Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder that leads to inflammation and damage to the thyroid gland

- Thyroid nodules, which are noncancerous growths on the thyroid gland

- Iodine deficiency, which is rare in developed countries due to the use of iodized salt

- Certain medications, such as lithium and amiodarone

- Radiation therapy to the neck area

- Cancer of the thyroid gland