Goitre

Goitre most commonly occurs in adulthood and can be hereditary. There is a slight predominance of women who develop goitre. Goitre is rarely dangerous, but can be bothersome and should always be examined more closely by a consultant.

What is goitre?

The thyroid gland is located on the front of the neck immediately in front of the trachea in contact with the thyroid cartilage/Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland consists of two almost identical halves, which are connected by a narrow bridge. Its function is to produce the metabolic hormones that regulate metabolism. 
 
When a thyroid gland is enlarged, it is called goitre. The enlargement of the gland can be due to nodules and/or cysts, but it can also be a uniform growth of the gland – also called diffuse goitre. Goitre is almost always a benign condition, but should always be examined more closely once it has been diagnosed.

Symptoms of goitre

Symptoms of goitre are most often a swelling at the front of the neck by the trachea. The swelling can vary in size from being barely visible to the size of a grapefruit. The swelling can change in size or gradually grow larger over time. 
 
Depending on where in the thyroid gland the swelling is located, it can give rise to a bothersome feeling of pressure at the front of the neck. Goitre can be discreet and without visible swelling on the neck, because the goitre grows inwards. Here it is often the feeling of pressure on the neck that leads the patient to the doctor. 
 
In rare cases, a very large goitre can press on the trachea and cause serious swallowing and breathing difficulties.  
 
Goitre in some cases causes either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism – in most cases, however, the metabolism is normal.

Examination

Clinical examination of the neck supplemented with ultrasound of the neck and possible fine-needle aspiration will be necessary. Contrast examination (scintigraphy) may also be considered. It is also necessary to take blood tests with measurement of thyroid function.

Treatment

There are two forms of treatment. Medical treatment and surgical treatment.

Medical treatment

If your thyroid function is not normal, you must have medical treatment to normalise the thyroid function. In some cases, where the thyroid function is elevated, treatment with radioactive iodine may be used. However, this does not necessarily mean that the thyroid gland will shrink. Medical treatment of goitre is managed by an endocrinologist, who is a medical expert in thyroid diseases.  
 
In case of persistent swelling or nodule in the thyroid gland, where the condition is not suitable for or does not respond to medical treatment – or if the goitre continues to grow and causes pressure symptoms on the neck, we will often recommend an operation. The decision about surgery is usually made in consultation with a medical expert in thyroid diseases. 
 
Surgical treatment (operation)

At CPH Privathospital we use a new gentle ultrasound technique for surgery for goitre. With this surgical technique, the affected enlarged part of the thyroid gland is removed with an ultrasound scissors called Ligasure. When using the scissors, the tissue is exposed to significantly less heat than when operating conventionally. Use of Ligasure results in less bleeding and less tissue impact. The operation is safer, and the tissue is spared, thereby protecting the vocal cord nerve, which is located in relation to the thyroid gland. During the operation, the surgeon also works with nerve monitoring and electrodes and thus with additional monitoring and protection of the vocal cord nerve.   

Same doctor and rapid treatment

Regardless of whether the symptoms have occurred acutely or are of a more prolonged nature, you should be seen by a consultant in ear, nose and throat (ENT). Our consultants are ready to help you, so you can quickly receive the correct diagnosis, whether you are a private payer, have health insurance or come through the public waiting time guarantee.

All examinations can take place at CPH Privathospital, and you therefore have the same experienced consultant throughout the entire pathway.