Understanding Unilateral Thyroid Enlargement: Causes & What to Do

One or both sides, or lobes, of the thyroid may become enlarged for a number of different reasons. Although the majority of people with thyroid enlargement have a benign, non-cancerous condition, it is important to seek prompt medical attention to determine the cause of the problem.

Iodine Deficiency

• When a person has insufficient iodine in his diet, it can cause a thyroid enlargement called goiter (since the introduction of iodized salt, this is now rare in the U.S.).

Thyroiditis

• Thyroiditis (also called Hashimoto's Disease) is an autoimmune disorder and a common form of thyroid inflammation. A build-up of white blood cells leads to enlargement of the gland.

Graves Disease

• Graves Disease is a type of hyperthyroidism triggered by the body's immune system, and can also produce enlargement of the thyroid.

Thyroid Nodules

• A thyroid nodule is an abnormal growth of thyroid cells, and may grow on one or both lobes of the thyroid. There may be a single or multiple (multinodular) nodules present (See References 2). According to the American Thyroid Association, nine out of 10 thyroid nodules are benign (See References 1).

Thyroid Cancer

• A small percentage of thyroid nodules contain cancer. Fortunately, most thyroid cancer is easily curable with surgery and has an excellent prognosis (See References 1).