Study of Management of Thyroid Swellings:A Study of 50 Pts with Thyroid Swellings

The normal thyroid gland is impalpable. The term goiter (Latin, Gutter = the throat) is used to describe generalized enlargement of the thyroid gland. It is a ductless gland. It is an unique gland among all endocrine glands; it is the largest of all endocrine glands, weighing about 25 grams It is amenable to direct physical examination due to its superficial location. The incidence of clinically apparent thyroid swellings in general population is 4-5%. Biosynthetic defects, iodine deficiency, autoimmune disease, nodular disease can lead to goiter, though by different mechanisms, especially MNG (Multinodular goiter) which is due to iodine deficiency is prevalent in India. Grave’s disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are also associated with goiter