goitre
goitre Enlargement of the thyroid gland, seen as a swelling in the neck, commonly due to deficiency of iodine in the diet or to the presence of goitrogens in foods. In such cases there is commonly underproduction of the thyroid hormones, i.e. hypothyroid goitre. Euthyroid goitre is a condition in which the enlargement of the thyroid gland is sufficient to compensate for a modest deficiency of iodine, permitting normal production of thyroid hormones.
In infancy, iodine deficiency can also lead to severe mental retardation, goitrous cretinism. Supplementation with iodine often prevents the condition, hence the use of iodized salt. Goitre may be due to other causes, including excessive stimulation of the thyroid gland. In this case there is overproduction of the thyroid hormones, i.e. hyperthyroid goitre.
In infancy, iodine deficiency can also lead to severe mental retardation, goitrous cretinism. Supplementation with iodine often prevents the condition, hence the use of iodized salt. Goitre may be due to other causes, including excessive stimulation of the thyroid gland. In this case there is overproduction of the thyroid hormones, i.e. hyperthyroid goitre.
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goitre