The key difference between goiter and thyroid nodule is that goiter is a condition in which the entire thyroid gland grows larger, or one or more small lumps develop on thyroid glands, while thyroid nodule is an abnormal lump of cells on the thyroid glands.
Goiter and thyroid nodules are two conditions due to problems in the thyroid glands. Both these conditions are associated with each other. Entire thyroid glands can become enlarged in some cases. This is called goiter. However, in some types of goiter, entire thyroid glands do not enlarge. Instead, one or more small lumps called thyroid nodules develop on the thyroid glands.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Goiter
3. What is Thyroid Nodule
4. Similarities – Goiter and Thyroid Nodule
5. Goiter vs Thyroid Nodule in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Goiter vs Thyroid Nodule
What is Goiter?
Goiter is a medical condition where the thyroid gland grows larger. In goiter, the entire thyroid gland grows larger, or thyroid glands develop one or more small lumps. Goiter can lead to the production of an irregular amount of thyroid hormone in the body (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism), or it can also present with normal levels of thyroid hormone (euthyroid). The causes of goiter may include iodine deficiency, Grave’s disease, Hashimoto disease, thyroid cancer, pregnancy, thyroiditis, and the drug lithium used to treat certain mental health conditions and other medical conditions. The signs and symptoms of this condition include a lump in front of the neck, a feeling of tightness in the throat area, hoarseness, neck vein swelling, dizziness, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, rapid heart rate, unexplained weight loss or unexplained weight gain, diarrhoea, sweating without exercise, shaking, agitation, fatigue, constipation, dry skin, and abnormal menstruation.
Figure 01: Goiter
Goiter can be diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, and blood tests. Furthermore, treatment options for goiter may include observation, medications (levothyroxine), taking radioactive iodine, and surgery (thyroidectomy).
What is a Thyroid Nodule?
A thyroid nodule is an unusual lump or growth of cells on the thyroid glands. Thyroid nodule formation is a common condition and is almost they are non-cancerous. However, in some rare cases, thyroid nodules can become cancerous. Several conditions can cause thyroid nodules to develop. These include the overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue, thyroid cysts, chronic inflammation of the thyroid, multinodular goiter, thyroid cancer, and iodine deficiency. The signs and symptoms of thyroid nodule include trouble with swallowing or breathing, hoarseness in the voice, pain in the front of the neck, enlargement of the thyroid gland, palpitation, feeling shaky, weight loss, increased appetite, diarrhoea, difficulty sleeping, light menstrual periods or frequent heavy menstrual periods, fatigue, numbness and tingling in the hands, weight gain, dry or coarse skin, and hair, constipation, and depression.
Figure 02: Thyroid Nodule
Moreover, thyroid nodules can be diagnosed through physical examination, thyroid blood test, thyroid ultrasound, fine needle biopsy, and thyroid scan. Furthermore, treatment options for thyroid nodules may include observation (watch and wait), taking radioactive iodine, thyroid hormone therapy, anti-thyroid medication (methimazole), and surgery to take out the nodules.
What are the Similarities Between Goiter and Thyroid Nodule?
- Goiter and thyroid nodules are two conditions due to problems in the thyroid glands.
- Both these conditions are associated with each other.
- They can be triggered by iodine deficiency.
- Both these conditions may have similar symptoms like difficulty breathing, weight gain or loss, constipation, diarrhoea, etc.
- Both these conditions can be diagnosed through physical examination and blood tests.
- They are treated through medications and surgeries.
What is the Difference Between Goiter and Thyroid Nodule?
Goiter is a condition that happens when the entire thyroid gland grows larger, or thyroid glands have one or more small lumps, while a thyroid nodule is a lump or enlarged area in the thyroid glands. Thus, this is the key difference between goiter and thyroid nodule. Furthermore, the risk factors for goiter include obesity and insulin-resistance metabolic syndrome. On the other hand, the risk factors for thyroid nodules include a history of thyroid radiation, family history, increasing age, iron deficiency anaemia, smoking, obesity, metabolic syndrome, alcohol consumption, increased levels of insulin growth factor, and uterine fibroids.
The below infographic presents the differences between goiter and thyroid nodule in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Goiter vs Thyroid Nodule
Goiter and thyroid nodules are two associated medical conditions due to problems in thyroid glands. Both these conditions can lead to abnormal levels of thyroid hormones. However, goiter happens when the entire thyroid gland grows larger, or thyroid glands develop one or more small lumps, while a thyroid nodule is a lump or enlarged area in the thyroid glands. So, this summarizes the difference between goiter and thyroid nodule.
Reference:
1. “Goiter.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
2. “Thyroid Nodules: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic.
Image Courtesy:
1. “A woman suffering from Goiter” By Myupchar (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Relative incidences of histopathologic diagnoses of solitary thyroid nodules” By Mikael Häggström – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia