Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Goiter

Author(s):

A goiter may be associated with an increase or decrease in thyroid hormones.

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Goiter

A goiter is the irregular growth of the thyroid gland.

Insight:

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck just below the Adam's apple.
A goiter may be an overall enlargement of the thyroid or it may be the result of irregular cell growth that forms 1 or more lumps (nodules) in the thyroid.
A goiter may be associated with no change in thyroid function or with an increase or decrease in thyroid hormones.
The most common cause of goiters worldwide is a lack of iodine in the diet.
In the United States, where the use of iodized salt is common, goiters are caused by conditions that change thyroid function or factors that affect thyroid growth.
Symptoms may include fatigue, sensitivity to cold, sleepiness, dry skin, constipation, muscle weakness, and others.
Risk factors may include being female, age, and family history of goiter.
Treatment includes Levoxyl, Cytomel, Tapazole, which will increase or decrease the hormone levels, depending on the treatment plan chosen.

Sources:

Goiter - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic