struma

medical disorder

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "struma" is an older medical term that is synonymous with goitre. A goitre is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which causes a visible swelling in the neck. While a normal thyroid gland weighs between 10 to 20 grams, a goitrous gland can weigh as much as 1,000 grams.21

The most common cause of goitre is iodine deficiency, a condition where the body lacks sufficient iodine, an essential nutrient for producing thyroid hormones. This deficiency prompts the pituitary gland to release more thyrotropin, a hormone that stimulates both thyroid hormone production and gland growth. Endemic goitre, prevalent in inland and mountainous regions with low iodine levels in soil and water, can be prevented by consuming iodized salt or food.1

Other causes of goitre include defects in thyroid hormone synthesis, thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid), or autoimmune conditions like Graves disease. If a goitre becomes very large, it can lead to difficulties in breathing and swallowing, potentially requiring surgical removal of the thyroid gland.1

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king’s evil
), or struma, a tuberculous swelling of the lymph glands, once popularly supposed to be curable by the touch of royalty. The custom of touching was first adopted in England by Edward the Confessor and in France by Philip I. In England the practice was attended with…
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), or struma, a tuberculous swelling of the lymph glands, once popularly supposed to be curable by the touch of royalty. The custom of touching was first adopted in England by Edward the Confessor and in France by Philip I. In England the practice was attended with…
Read More