Most people with goiters have no signs or symptoms other than a swelling at the base of the neck. In many cases, the goiter is small enough that it's only discovered during a routine medical exam or an imaging test for another condition. Other signs or symptoms depend on whether thyroid function changes, how quickly the goiter grows and whether it obstructs breathing. Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include:  Fatigue Increased sensitivity to cold Increased sleepiness Dry skin Constipation Muscle weakness Problems with memory or concentration  Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:  Weight loss Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) Increased sensitivity to heat Excess sweating Tremors Irritability and nervousness Muscle weakness Frequent bowel movements Changes in menstrual patterns Sleep difficulty High blood pressure Increased appetite  Children with hyperthyroidism might also have the following:  Rapid growth in height Changes in behavior Bone growth that outpaces expected growth for the child's age  Obstructive goiter The size or position of a goiter may obstruct the airway and voice box. Signs and symptoms may include:  Difficulty swallowing Difficulty breathing with exertion Cough Hoarseness Snoring 
people goiters signs symptoms swelling base neck  cases  goiter small it's only discovered routine medical exam imaging test condition  signs symptoms depend thyroid function changes  quickly goiter grows obstructs breathing  underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) signs symptoms hypothyroidism include:  fatigue increased sensitivity cold increased sleepiness dry skin constipation muscle weakness problems memory concentration  overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) signs symptoms hyperthyroidism include:  weight loss rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) increased sensitivity heat excess sweating tremors irritability nervousness muscle weakness frequent bowel movements changes menstrual patterns sleep difficulty high blood pressure increased appetite  children hyperthyroidism following:  rapid growth height changes behavior bone growth outpaces expected growth child's age  obstructive goiter size position goiter may obstruct airway voice box  signs symptoms may include:  difficulty swallowing difficulty breathing exertion cough hoarseness snoring 
goiter