It can enlarge when it is inefficient in making thyroid hormones, inflamed, or occupied by tumors. Thyroid gland enlargement can be generalized and smooth, a so called diffuse goiter; or it can become larger due to growth of one or more discrete lumps (nodules) within the gland, a nodular goiter.

Can a goiter fluctuate in size?

It is rare for any noteworthy spontaneous reduction in the size of the thyroid gland to occur, but patients often describe fluctuation in the size of the goiters and the symptoms they give.

How fast do goiters grow?

Goiters don't represent any one disease. They can form quickly or very slowly over years.