Goiter is an irregular enlargement of the thyroid gland. It can be asymptomatic or can present with symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. A fat neck is a bulky neck due to excessive fat tissue buildup in the neck region.

What is a goiter?

Definition:

Goiter is an irregular enlargement of the thyroid gland. It can be asymptomatic or can present with symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

Causes:

Causes of goiter include iodine deficiency, autoimmune diseases such as Grave’s disease and Hashimoto’s disease, thyroiditis, thyroid cancer, and pregnancy.

Symptoms:

Common symptoms associated with goiter include a swollen neck, difficulty breathing, hoarseness, and distended neck veins. Less commonly, the patient will have coughing, chest tightness, and dysphagia. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as tachycardia, sweating, weight loss, and anxiety can be seen in goiter. Also, symptoms of hypothyroidism can manifest with thyroid swelling. These include weight gain, cold clammy skin, menstrual irregularity, bradycardia, and constipation.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of goiter is made after blood tests, thyroid hormone level analysis, thyroid ultrasound, thyroid scan, and radiologic investigations.

Treatment:

Asymptomatic goiter does not require treatment. In case of features of hyperthyroidism, antithyroid drugs are prescribed and levothyroxine is given if features of hypothyroidism are present. Other treatment options include radioactive iodine therapy and surgery.

What is a fat neck?

Definition:

A fat neck is a bulky neck due to excessive fat tissue buildup in the neck region.

Causes:

The most frequent reason for having a fat neck is obesity. Weight gain results in the accumulation of fat all over the body, mostly on the hips and abdomen and also the neck region. An unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity are the most common reasons for obesity. Disorders like hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and Cushing’s disease can lead to weight gain. 

Symptoms and risks:

The fat neck is mostly asymptomatic however the fat deposition in the neck region increases the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of a fat neck is by visual examination of the neck. The doctor might ask to perform deglutition to rule out thyroid disease.

Treatment:

Eating properly and exercising help reduce fat from all over the body and also the neck. Neck exercises are the main way to get rid of neck fat.

Difference between goiter and fat neck

Definition:

Goiter is an irregular enlargement of the thyroid gland. It can be asymptomatic or can present with symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. A fat neck is a bulky neck due to excessive fat tissue buildup in the neck region.

Causes:

Causes of goiter include iodine deficiency, autoimmune diseases such as Grave’s disease and Hashimoto’s disease, thyroiditis, thyroid cancer, and pregnancy. The most frequent reason for having a fat neck is obesity. Weight gain results in the accumulation of fat all over the body, mostly on the hips and abdomen and also the neck region. An unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity are the most common reasons for obesity. Disorders like hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and Cushing’s disease can lead to weight gain.

Symptoms:

Common symptoms associated with goiter include a swollen neck, difficulty breathing, hoarseness, and distended neck veins. Less commonly, the patient will have coughing, chest tightness, and dysphagia. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as tachycardia, sweating, weight loss, and anxiety can be seen in goiter. Also, symptoms of hypothyroidism can manifest with thyroid swelling. These include weight gain, cold clammy skin, menstrual irregularity, bradycardia, and constipation.

The fat neck is mostly asymptomatic however the fat deposition in the neck region increases the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of goiter is made after blood tests, thyroid hormone level analysis, thyroid ultrasound, thyroid scan, and radiologic investigations. Diagnosis of a fat neck is by visual examination of the neck. The doctor might ask to perform deglutition to rule out thyroid disease.

Treatment:

Asymptomatic goiter does not require treatment. In case of features of hyperthyroidism, antithyroid drugs are prescribed and levothyroxine is given if features of hypothyroidism are present. Other treatment options include radioactive iodine therapy and surgery. Eating properly and exercising help reduce fat from all over the body and the neck. Neck exercises are the main way to get rid of neck fat.

Table of differences between goiter and fat neck

FAQs

What does your neck look like if you have a goiter?

A person with a goiter will have a prominent swelling on the anterior neck. It may be smooth or nodular in texture.

Does a goiter look like a double chin?

No. Goiter is a swelling on the anterior neck and not near the chin.

What are two signs of goiter?

It is a painless swelling that moves on deglutition.

How can I check myself for goiter?

Look for visible neck swelling or lump. Look for any symptoms you have been having lately.

How do you rule out a goiter?

An ultrasound neck can help detect goiter.

What does a person with a goiter look like?

A person with a goiter will have a prominent swelling on the anterior neck. He may be obese, fatigued, and agitated in case of hypothyroidism or extremely thin, with flushed skin in case of hyperthyroidism.

What does a goiter look and feel like?

The goiter may be diffuse, nodular, or multinodular. Diffuse goiter is when the thyroid gland is swollen as a whole. Nodular goiter has a single nodule in the thyroid gland which feels like a lump whereas multinodular goiter has multiple nodules.

Can a goiter go away by itself?

Sometimes yes.

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