The symptoms of goiter/thyroid enlargement differ with the different causes of thyroid enlargement. The symptoms can occur alone or in different combinations. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) leads to
- Tachycardia
- Heat sensation
- Diarrhea
- Dry hair
- Excitability and
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
The autoimmune-induced hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease) can lead in particular to the protrusion of the eyeball from the eye socket (exophthalmos).
In contrast, a feeling of cold, constipation, oily hair, fatigue, doughy skin (myxoedema) and weight gain may be signs of hypothyroidism. The very enlarged thyroid gland can constrict the trachea and esophagus, causing breathing or swallowing problems. Thyroid cancer – especially in its early stages – cannot cause any symptoms.
Due to the invasive nature of this disease, if left untreated, neighbouring structures are affected or daughter tumours can develop throughout the body. Particularly noticeable in the local spread of the tumor is the infestation of the vocal cord nerve (nervus recurrens). In such a situation, hoarseness occurs, which can develop into shortness of breath.