A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland that is not due to cancer. The thyroid gland is located in the neck just below the Adam's apple.
Thyroid hormone is important for the body's metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a condition caused by low levels of thyroid hormone in the body. The thyroid gland responds by getting larger and forming a goiter. This may allow it to make enough thyroid hormone.
Goiter is seen most often in people who: