Goiter
. Goiter, disease of the thyroid gland , characterized by an enlargement of the gland, visible externally as a swelling on the front of the neck. In simple goiter the basal metabolic rate is somewhat lowered, and in toxic goiter it is elevated. Iodine deficiency in the body can cause goiter. Treatments include the ingestion of small doses of iodine, or, in extreme cases, the removal of the thyroid gland. SIMPLE GOITER This condition is characterized by an enlargement of the entire gland, or of one of its two lobes, caused by a deficiency of iodine in the diet. The disease is especially apt to appear in adolescence. Prevention requires taking small doses of iodine for long periods. Ingestion of iodine during pregnancy prevents development of the disease in the infant as well as in the mother. Public health measures, including the addition of iodine to water supplies and to table salt, have helped to reduce the incidence of simple goiter in certain areas. Iodine is most effective when ad