Best Goiter Doctors in Kolkata

Goitre, often known as thyroid goitre, is a condition characterised by the enlargement of the thyroid gland. It can arise from factors like iodine deficiency, the most prevalent cause globally, or autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease. Symptoms vary depending on thyroid function, from fatigue and cold sensitivity in hypothyroidism to weight loss and rapid heartbeat in hyperthyroidism. The best doctors specialising in goitre treatment can address these issues effectively.

At Apollo Hospitals in Kolkata, the best doctors treating goitre emphasise the importance of regular health check-ups, as early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Types/Stages of Goitre

Goitre can present in two main forms:

• Simple Goitre: Triggered by iodine deficiency, it often results in hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormone.

• Exophthalmic Goitre (Graves' Disease): Characterised by an overactive thyroid gland (producing excess thyroid hormone), this type of goitre features bulging eyeballs (exophthalmos) and symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms of Goitre

The symptoms of goitre vary depending on whether it causes hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Common symptoms include:

• Hypothyroid Symptoms:

  • Fatigue,

  • increased sensitivity to cold,

  • dry skin,

  • constipation,

  • muscle weakness and

  • problems with memory or concentration.

• Hyperthyroid Symptoms:

  • Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia),

  • increased sensitivity to heat,

  • excessive sweating, tremors,

  • nervousness,

  • frequent bowel movements and

  • Difficulty sleeping.

Tests to Diagnose Goitre

At Apollo Hospitals, the best specialists in goitre use a combination of physical examination and various tests to diagnose goitre:

• Physical examination: Doctors palpate the neck to detect enlargement or nodules in the thyroid gland.

• Blood tests: Thyroid function tests, including TSH, T3, and T4 levels, assess thyroid hormone production and determine if the gland is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism).

• Ultrasonography: This technique uses sound waves to visualise the thyroid gland, and identify any abnormalities, such as nodules or cysts.

• Radioactive iodine uptake: A specialised test that measures the amount of radioactive iodine absorbed by the thyroid gland.

• Biopsy: A fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be conducted to collect tissue samples in cases where nodules are suspicious for cancer for further examination.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Goitre at Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata

If you are diagnosed with goitre, Apollo Hospitals offers various treatment options based on the underlying cause and symptoms:

• Medications: Synthetic thyroid hormone replacement is prescribed for hypothyroidism, while antithyroid drugs or radioactive iodine are prescribed to control hyperthyroidism.

• Surgery: Thyroidectomy, the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, is considered when the goitre causes significant symptoms like breathing or swallowing difficulties. The best doctors treating thyroid enlargement at Apollo Hospitals in Kolkata are skilled in these surgical procedures.

• Radioactive iodine therapy: Radioactive iodine is taken orally, and it selectively destroys thyroid tissue, reducing the size of the goitre and normalising thyroid hormone levels.

• Lifestyle modifications: This includes ensuring sufficient iodine intake through diet or supplements, avoiding excessive iodine-rich foods like seaweed, and managing stress to alleviate symptoms.