According to Healthline, goitre is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. There are several possible causes of goitre, including:
Iodine deficiency: The thyroid gland needs iodine to produce hormones, and a deficiency of iodine can cause the gland to enlarge in an attempt to compensate for the lack of iodine.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis:
This is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and damage to the gland. This can cause goitre as well as other thyroid problems.
Thyroid nodules: These are small, benign (non-cancerous) lumps that can form in the thyroid gland. They can cause goitre if they are large enough to cause the gland to enlarge.
Thyroid cancer: In rare cases, goitre can be caused by thyroid cancer.
Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism, can also cause goitre.
It's important to see a doctor if you have any symptoms of goitre, such as swelling in the neck or difficulty swallowing, as early treatment can help prevent further complications.