Risk factor 7. Personal History of Goiter – The Nodular Concern
A personal history of goiter constitutes the seventh risk factor for thyroid cancer. A goiter is a noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland often caused by iodine deficiency, as mentioned earlier, or due to thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s disease.
A goiter is often associated with the formation of nodules, which are lumps that occur within the thyroid gland. While the majority of thyroid nodules are benign, a small proportion can be cancerous. Therefore, individuals with a history of goiter or thyroid nodules have a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer.
Notably, a solitary thyroid nodule carries a higher risk of malignancy than multiple nodules, often found in conditions like multinodular goiter. However, the presence of any nodule should warrant thorough investigation to rule out cancer.
Goiter-induced thyroid enlargement also produces symptoms like difficulty swallowing and breathing, which can sometimes be the first indicators prompting an individual to seek medical attention. It’s essential for anyone with a personal history of goiter to maintain regular check-ups and remain aware of changes in their neck and thyroid function. (7)
