What is a goiter?

Goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland. Depending on age, normal thyroid size is maximum 25 ml for men and maximum18 ml for women. Goiter is the most common thyroid disease; every third German citizen suffers from a thyroid disease.

How does goitre develop?

There are several reasons for the excessive growth of the thyroid gland. The most common cause is insufficient intake of iodine, but a certain hereditary component can also have an effect. Other reasons for a thyroid growth are inflammation, autoimmune diseases, benign and malignant tumors and often medication. The goiter may be visible, cause symptoms of pressure in the neck or can be detected during a physical examination.