Endemic goitre

Endemic goitre is a type of goitre that is associated with dietary iodine deficiency.

Endemic goitre
A woman, probably from inland of Norway, with goiter, probably due to iodine deficiency.
Specialty	Endocrinology
Symptoms	Goitre
Causes	Iodine deficiency

Cause

Some inland areas, where soil and water lacks iodine compounds and consumption of marine foods is low, are known for higher incidence of goitre. In such areas goitre is said to be "endemic".

Prevention

This type of goitre is easily preventable. In most developed countries regulations have been put into force by health policy institutions requiring salt, flour or water to be fortified with iodine.

Treatment

Treatment of endemic goitre is medical with iodine and thyroxine preparations. Surgery is only necessary in cases that are complicated by significant compression of nearby structures.