Signs and symptoms of an enlarged thyroid gland

Due to the compression of goiter, symptoms such as dyspnea, dysphagia, and jugular vein distension may occur, accompanied by the corresponding manifestations of the disease that causes goiter, such as those caused by diffuse non-toxic goiter, and hyperthyroidism symptoms such as agitation, dizziness, and panic, which may be accompanied by signs such as protruding eyeballs and hand tremors. Most patients with goiter have no obvious symptoms, such as simple goiter caused by iodine deficiency. However, when the thyroid gland is heavily enlarged, it will compress the surrounding organs or tissues and produce compression symptoms, such as respiratory difficulties when compressing the trachea, and swallowing difficulties when compressing the esophagus. A retrosternal goiter may cause obstruction of venous return to the head and upper extremities, resulting in facial congestion and jugular venous distention when the hands are raised. A non-toxic multinodular goiter may cause pain in the anterior neck region due to nodal hemorrhage and hoarseness due to involvement of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Enlargement of the thyroid gland due to diffuse non-toxic goiter may be associated with signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. If any of these symptoms occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.