What Are The Main Causes For An Enlarged Thyroid Gland On One Side?

Posted on Wed, 10 Jul 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 10 Jul 2013 Answered on

Thu, 1 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : What are the main causes for an enlarged thyroid gland on one side?

Answered by Dr. Manoranjan Chowhan (8 hours later)

Hi,

Diffuse bilateral thyroid lobe enlargement is common, but the unilateral or single lobe enlargement is not common. Unilateral thyroid lobe enlargement may be due to causes like follows
1. Granulomotous thyroiditis - 20% may present with unilateral thyroid gland enlargement.
2. Reidel's struma - though rare may present wih unilateral thyroid gland enlargement.
3. Among other causes thyroid nodule specially multinodular goiter may be responsible.

Thanks for your query. Let me know if you need clarification.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Manoranjan Chowhan (12 hours later)

Thank you very much for this response.
Although I have an ultrasound in 3 days to confirm that it(the swelling hardness in my neck) involves the thyroid, I am pretty certain based on the shape of the swollen lobe. I think it is likely to be granulomatous thyroiditis as I did have a viral infection with a bad cough for 6 weeks(almost chronic) ending one month ago. My throat is also sore presently and I rinsed with salt water to relieve the pain last night and the swelling seems to have reduced ~1/4" from 1". I will take some ibuprophen to see if the swelling comes down some more. Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Manoranjan Chowhan (11 hours later)

You are right; as you had preceding viral infection this may be Thyroid, which is a Self-limiting illness.
Things should settle with time.
A supportive treatment of Ibuprofen might be helpful.
Wishing good luck to you.
Dr.Chowhan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E