Why is there a noticeable swelling in the front part of the neck of a person who has goiter?

There is still no accurate explanation as to why the thyroid glands enlarge during goitre. It occurs more frequently in women than in the opposite sex. They are mostly harmless but it is advisable to see a doctor once there is a sign of a lump.

The noticeable swelling in the front of the neck of a person suffering from goiter is due to the inflammation of the thyroid gland. Also, antibodies secret in autoimmune disease attack the thyroid gland and result in the formation of goiter.

Further Explanation:

The thyroid gland is present below the muscles and skin at the anterior of the neck. This gland is brownish-red in color. It consists of left and right halves mainly called lobes. These lobes resemble the wings of a butterfly. It helps in regulating the growth, and development of secondary organs. The thyroid hormones released by a thyroid gland are called thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3). These hormones are passed in the bloodstream and help in maintaining the body’s metabolism.

The enlarged thyroid gland is called goiter. This can develop due to inflammation of the thyroid gland or when the thyroid gland is secreting too little or too much hormone. Goiter can result from other thyroid-related issues, like thyroid cancer, thyroid cyst or thyroid infection. Also, individuals who don't include an adequate amount of iodine in their diet results in the formation of goiter.

Goiter can also result from autoimmune diseases. Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease are autoimmune diseases. In these diseases, the body secretes proteins that are mainly called antibodies. These antibodies attack the thyroid gland and result in the formation of goiter.

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Answer Details:

Grade: Senior School

Subject: Biology

Chapter: Endocrine imbalance and diseases

Keywords:

Thyroid gland, goiter, grave’s’ disease, Hashmito’s disease, thyroid cancer, swelling, antibodies, protein, hormone, thyroxine (T4), tri-iodothyronine (T3).

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