Goiter

An autoimmune disorder which is a common cause of hyperthyroidism.  The body’s immune system produces antibodies against its own thyroid gland, stimulating it into overproduction of thyroid hormone.  This is also referred to as toxic diffuse goiter.  Symptoms include an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which shows as a visible bump in the front of the neck, sluggishness, and weight gain.  A common cause of goiter is iodine deficiency.  See hyperthyroidism