The thyroid gland is present in our body in the neck and is a butterfly shaped gland. It is one of the largest glands of the endocrine system in our body. Sometimes the thyroid enlargement takes place. The thyroid enlargement may be defined as the growth or the enlargement observed in the thyroid gland which results in the thyroid disease. The thyroid enlargement may take place due to a number of factors but in majority of the patient the thyroid enlargement is due to the thyroid disease of any kind existing in the body.

The various reasons for the thyroid enlargement which have been observed are:

• Iodine deficiency: it is an important factor which lads to the thyroid enlargement and a condition known as goiter prevails in this condition.
• Defects which occur in the functioning of the thyroid gland: if the thyroid gland does not work properly then, the thyroid enlargement takes place to maintain and compensate for the normal production of the thyroid hormone.
• Other disorders like the Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
• The development of the thyroid nodules. There may be symmetric or asymmetric thyroid enlargement in this case.
• Also due to thyroid cancer the enlargement may take place.

As has been stated above that the thyroid enlargement takes place due to the cystic nodules so, the same can be diagnosed using the ultrasound technique. The thyroid enlargement is a clear indication of the fact that thyroid cancer may be present. But, on the other hand this can be confirmed with the type of the enlargement of the gland, i.e., if in case, there is a symmetrical and diffused enlargement of the gland then, the chances to have thyroid cancer are reduced. But the type of enlargement is not the only criteria to tell as to whether the cancer is there or not. The other symptoms like pain in the neck, voice change, choking or breathing problems should also be taken into account.

Also, considering the case of people who have a rapid thyroid enlargement, proper diagnosis should be carried out on them as well as to know about the cause of the thyroid enlargement. But the rapid enlargement is not necessarily a cause for alarm as in some cases; this can be due to small hemorrhage which leads to a growth and expansion of the gland. In some cases, such as sub acute thyroiditis apart from the thyroid enlargement the viral like illness prevails.

If any of the above stated symptoms are observed, then one should immediately see a physician who diagnosis the infection and accordingly the treatment for the same can be started.

In some regions, where the amount of iodine is not sufficient can lead to goiter which is the expansion of the thyroid gland in which, there is compression of the local structures located in the neck which may include the trachea. In the worst situations, the victim experiences shortness of breathe which can cause damage to the trachea and the airway also collapses. so, the patients suffering from such a disorder are advised to undergo the airway examination using techniques like the MRI,X-ray, CT etc. In case, narrowing of trachea is observed the treatment for the same is to carry out surgery.