Congenital goiter

[Merna]

Congenital goiter is enlargement of the thyroid gland that is present at birth.

The enlarged thyroid gland may produce too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism), too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), or, sometimes, a normal amount.
The diagnosis is based on ultrasonography and blood tests.
Treatment may include hormone therapy and sometimes surgery.

(For adults, also see Goiter.)
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland located in the neck. Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream. Hormones are chemical messengers that affect the activity of another part of the body. Thyroid hormone regulates the rate at which the body functions (metabolic rate).