Which term describes enlargement of the thyroid gland?

• A. Goiter
• B. Graves disease
• C. Myxedema
• D. Diabetes mellitus

Answer: (A)

Goiter is the term for enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid sits in the neck and can swell diffusely or develop nodules, often due to iodine deficiency historically, but also from autoimmune thyroiditis, nodular disease, or other thyroid conditions. Graves disease is a specific autoimmune condition that causes overproduction of thyroid hormone and can lead to an enlarged gland, but the general term for the swelling itself is goiter. Myxedema refers to severe hypothyroidism with swelling due to mucopolysaccharide buildup, not just the swollen thyroid. Diabetes mellitus is not related to thyroid enlargement.