Goitre: A Complete Review

Abstract

A goitre is an enlarged thyroid gland. The most common cause of goitre is lack of iodine in the diet. Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules or inflammation of thyroid and cancers cause goitre. Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for structural development and optimal functional activity of thyroid gland and CNS. Iodine deficiency has been shown to be associated with endemic cretinism, endemic goitre and mental retardation. Endemic goitre continues to be prevalent in the entire world. Although its etiology is complex, its prevention can be simply and effectively achieved by increasing iodine intake of the population. The best way of ensuring a continuous supply of iodine is by iodination of salt.