Goiter

Normal gland volume on US is 7-10 mls & weight of 10-20 gms Most common cause of goiter worldwide is Iodine deficiency Worldwide the prevalence of goiter in the general population is about 15.8 % varying between 4.7 % in N America and 28.3 % in Africa ( almost 1/3rd of world population lives in areas of iodine deficiency ) In areas of iodine deficiency the prevalence of goiter can be upto 80 % Worldwide iodine deficiency affects about 2.3 billion people The gland is larger in males , increases with age and body size and decreases with increasing iodine intake More common in women ( > 45 yrs ) Often an incidental finding following imaging as CT/ US for unrelated causes.

any previous h/o thyroid disease / surgery family h/o thyroid illness are they from an iodine deficient region or stayed there for long medication history prior exposure of head and neck irradiation any obstructive symptoms any B symptoms as fever , weight loss , night sweats.

stand anterior to the patient or behind the patient patient can be sitting or standing ask the patient to swallow ( for e.g a glass of water ) note any obvious enlargement...