goiter
/'gɔitə/ Cách viết khác : (goitre) /'gɔitə/
Definition
- Noun:
- An abnormally enlarged thyroid gland: A medical condition characterized by a visible swelling in the neck due to the enlargement of the thyroid gland. This enlargement can result from various causes, including underproduction (hypothyroidism) or overproduction (hyperthyroidism) of thyroid hormone, or from a deficiency of iodine in the diet.
Usage and Examples
- Noun:
- The doctor diagnosed her with a simple goiter caused by iodine deficiency.
- A large goiter can sometimes cause difficulty with swallowing or breathing.
- In many parts of the world, goiter was common before the introduction of iodized salt.
Advanced Usage
- "Exophthalmic goiter": An older term for a specific type of goiter associated with hyperthyroidism and protruding eyes (exophthalmos), often linked to Graves' disease.
- The patient's symptoms, including weight loss and rapid heartbeat, pointed to exophthalmic goiter.
Variants and Related Words
- Goitre: The British English spelling of the word "goiter".
- Goitrous (adj): Pertaining to or affected with a goiter.
- The goitrous swelling was clearly visible.
Synonyms
- Thyromegaly: The medical term for an enlarged thyroid gland.
- Derbyshire neck: A historical, colloquial term for goiter, named after the English county where it was once common due to iodine-deficient soil.
Notes on Meaning
The term "goiter" refers specifically to the physical enlargement of the thyroid gland itself, which is a symptom of an underlying thyroid disorder rather than a specific disease. The cause (e.g., iodine deficiency, autoimmune disease) determines the type and treatment of the goiter.
Noun
-
abnormally enlarged thyroid gland; can result from underproduction or overproduction of hormone or from a deficiency of iodine in the diet
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