children s health issues
Congenital Goiter
Symptoms of Congenital Goiter
The most common symptom of congenital goiter is firm and symmetric enlargement of the thyroid. There is no tenderness. The entire gland may be enlarged or only portions of it. It may be noticeable at birth or detected later. If the enlargement continues, infants may have difficulty breathing and swallowing. Many infants with goiters have a normally functioning thyroid gland. However, some infants develop hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. 