Treatment for goiter depends on the underlying cause, size of the goiter, and presence of symptoms. Treatment options may include:
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Medications: Thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed to normalize hormone levels and shrink the goiter, especially in cases of iodine deficiency or autoimmune thyroiditis.
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Radioactive Iodine Therapy: Radioactive iodine is used to shrink the thyroid gland and reduce hormone production in cases of hyperthyroidism or goiter caused by overactivity.
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Surgery: Thyroidectomy (surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland) may be recommended for large goiters, nodules suspicious for cancer, or cases of compression of nearby structures causing symptoms.
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Observation: Small, asymptomatic goiters may be monitored regularly without immediate treatment, especially if thyroid function is normal.