General Knowledge Simple goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by iodine deficiency, increased thyroxine requirement, and impaired synthesis and secretion of thyroxine, and is more common in women. As the disease progresses, there may be neck compression symptoms, secondary hyperthyroidism, and malignant changes may occur. Signs of the disease One or more nodules of different sizes are found in the thyroid gland, and the nodules may appear unilaterally or bilaterally in the neck. Pressure symptoms: dyspnea, dysphagia, hoarseness. If the above symptoms occur, consult a thyroid specialist as soon as possible. Complete thyroid function tests, ultrasound, fine needle aspiration cytology test, etc. Treatment principle Physiologic goiter during adolescence or pregnancy can be treated without medication. More iodine-rich seaweed, nori, etc. should be eaten. For diffuse goiter in young people under 20 years old, small doses of thyroxine tablets can be given. Indications for surgical treatment: goiter with compression symptoms, retrosternal goiter, huge goiter affecting life and workers, secondary hyperthyroidism, suspected malignancy. Special medical advice Add iodine to table salt and eat more iodine-rich foods. For example: nori, kelp. Avoid: cassava, cabbage, radish, soybean. Eat high protein, high vitamin food after surgery. Avoid cold, infection, trauma and mental trauma. Live in a clean environment with good air circulation. Early neck functional exercise after surgery. Moderate exercise according to the condition. Postoperative residual thyroid tissue often hyperplasia, goiter and postoperative low thyroxine, so it is advisable to take thyroxine tablets after surgery, regular review.