Thyromegaly is also known as goiter. The condition results from an enlarged thyroid gland (1). The thyroid gland is located the lower part of the neck, below Adam’s apple. It is a shaped like a butterfly with two lobes that lie on either side of the windpipe and is joined in the center by the isthmus.
The thyroid gland is an essential part of the endocrine system, which regulates bodily functions through the release of hormones. The hormones produced by the thyroid control the way your body metabolizes carbohydrates and fat. They regulate the production of protein, control body temperature and ensure that the heart beats at a regular pace, so any interference in the production of these hormones can have some nasty side effects.
The thyroid gland works together with the pituitary gland that is located in the base of the brain and sends signals in the form of Stimulating Thyroid Hormone STH to the thyroid when it is producing too few hormones (2).
Your chances of getting a thyromegaly increase with age and the condition is much more likely over the age of forty. More women than men suffer from the disorder (3).