Goiter: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment in Minnesota
What is a Goiter?
Common Symptoms of Goiter
Causes & Risk Factors
Thyroid nodules
Benign masses within the thyroid may cause localized enlargements, leading to a multinodular goiter.
Medications, inflammation, infections
Certain drugs, radiation exposure, or thyroiditis can also contribute.
Autoimmune diseases
Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can both result in thyroid enlargement by causing overactive or underactive thyroid function.
Iodine deficiency
The most common cause worldwide, but rare in the United States due to iodized salt.
How Are Goiters Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a goiter generally starts with a physical examination by a healthcare provider. This is usually followed by:
Treatment Options for Goiter
Small, asymptomatic goiters that do not affect thyroid function or structure may only require observation and regular monitoring. However, goiters that cause discomfort, compress nearby structures, or are cosmetically concerning typically require treatment.
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International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS)
Answer each question about your urinary symptoms over the past month. Your total score is calculated instantly.
0 of 7 answered
1. Incomplete Emptying: How often have you had the sensation of not emptying your bladder?
2. Frequency: How often have you had to urinate less than every two hours?
3. Intermittency: How often have you found you stopped and started again several times when you urinated?
4. Urgency: How often have you found it difficult to postpone urination?
5. Weak Stream: How often have you had a weak urinary stream?
6. Straining: How often have you had to strain to start urination?
7. Nocturia: How many times did you typically get up at night to urinate?
Please answer all questions to see your score.
Your I-PSS score
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This score is for informational purposes and is not a diagnosis. Share it with your provider to discuss what it means for you — or fill out the form on this page to talk with our team.
Talk to our teamWOMAC Osteoarthritis Index
Rate each activity by the degree of difficulty you have experienced in the last 48 hours due to your knee.
0 of 24 answered
Pain
1. Walking
2. Stair climbing
3. Nocturnal
4. Rest
5. Weight bearing
Stiffness
1. Morning stiffness
2. Stiffness occurring later in the day
Physical Function
1. Descending stairs
2. Ascending stairs
3. Rise from sitting
4. Standing
5. Bending to floor
6. Walking on flat surface
7. Getting in/out of car
8. Going shopping
9. Putting on socks
10. Lying in bed
11. Taking off socks
12. Rising from bed
13. Getting in/out of bath
14. Sitting
15. Getting on/off toilet
16. Heavy domestic duties
17. Light domestic duties
Please answer all questions to see your score.
Your WOMAC score
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This score is for informational purposes and is not a diagnosis. Share it with your provider to discuss what it means for you — or fill out the form on this page to talk with our team.
Talk to our teamFoot & Ankle Disability Index (FADI)
Rate each item by your current level of difficulty. Higher scores indicate better foot and ankle function.
0 of 26 answered
Activity
1. Standing
2. Walking on even ground
3. Walking on even ground without shoes
4. Walking up hills
5. Walking down hills
6. Going up stairs
7. Going down stairs
8. Walking on uneven ground
9. Stepping up and down curbs
10. Squatting
11. Sleeping
12. Coming up to your toes
13. Walking initially
14. Walking 5 minutes or less
15. Walking approximately 10 minutes
16. Walking 15 minutes or greater
17. Home responsibilities
18. Activities of daily living
19. Personal care
20. Light to moderate work (standing, walking)
21. Heavy work (push/pulling, climbing, carrying)
22. Recreational activities
Pain
23. General level of pain
24. Pain at rest
25. Pain during your normal activity
26. Pain first thing in the morning
Please answer all questions to see your score.
Your FADI score
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This score is for informational purposes and is not a diagnosis. Share it with your provider to discuss what it means for you — or fill out the form on this page to talk with our team.
Talk to our team
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members.
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Golden Valley, MN 55427
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