Goitre

Goitre is basically the enlargement of the thyroid glands. This gland is situated at the front of the throat, below the Adam's apple (larynx). Goitre is also known as 'Derbyshire neck' - as it is caused due to iodine deficiency - leading to swellings of the thyroid. Generally, women are more prone to this disease than men. Goitres can be either diffuse or multi-nodular. A thyroid gland whose lateral lobes have a volume greater than the terminal phalanges of the thumbs of the person examined will be considered goitrous. In other words, goitre is a non cancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland, visible as a swelling at the front of the neck, that is often associated with iodine deficiency.