Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Goiter
Moderate
2
Symptoms
4
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
Macular Degeneration
Moderate
2
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
Overview
Goiter
Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is located at the front of the neck and produces hormones that regulate metabolism. A goiter may involve the entire thyroid gland or may occur with one or more thyroid nodules. Some people have no symptoms other than visible or palpable enlargement of the neck. A large goiter can sometimes press on the windpipe or esophagus and cause breathing, coughing, hoarseness, or swallowing problems.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a condition that damages the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It can cause blurred or distorted central vision and difficulty reading, recognizing faces, or performing tasks requiring fine detail. Age-related macular degeneration is the most common form and may develop gradually or progress more rapidly in some people.
Symptoms
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Cough HoarsenessOnly in Right Disease
Blurred Vision Rapid BreathingCauses
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Genetics High Cholesterol Obesity StressOnly in Right Disease
None
Diagnosis
Goiter
Evaluation of a goiter begins with examination of the neck and thyroid gland. Blood tests can measure thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroid hormones such as free T4. Thyroid ultrasound can identify enlargement and examine nodules or other structural changes. A thyroid scan and radioactive iodine uptake study may be used in selected cases to assess thyroid function. If a nodule has suspicious features, a biopsy may be recommended to determine whether cancer is present.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination that includes examination of the retina and macula. Visual acuity testing and retinal imaging such as optical coherence tomography can identify structural changes. Fluorescein angiography or other imaging may be used when abnormal blood vessels are suspected. An Amsler grid may help detect changes in central vision between examinations.
Prevention
Goiter
Adequate iodine intake can prevent many cases of simple goiter caused by iodine deficiency. Using iodized salt appropriately is an established way to maintain adequate iodine intake in populations where deficiency is a concern. Other causes, such as autoimmune thyroid disease or genetic susceptibility, cannot always be prevented. Avoiding unnecessary exposure to factors that affect thyroid function and obtaining medical evaluation for persistent neck swelling can help identify thyroid disorders early.
Macular Degeneration
The risk of macular degeneration may be reduced by not smoking, eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables and other nutrient-dense foods, maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, exercising regularly, and protecting overall cardiovascular health. Regular eye examinations are important, particularly with increasing age or a family history. People with existing disease should follow their eye specialist’s monitoring and treatment recommendations.
Risk Factors
Goiter
Risk factors vary according to the underlying cause. Being over age 40, having a family history of goiter, and living or having grown up in an area where iodine deficiency occurs can increase risk of some types. Women are more frequently affected by simple goiter. Autoimmune thyroid disease, certain medicines, smoking, and conditions that cause thyroid nodules or abnormal thyroid hormone production can also increase the likelihood of thyroid enlargement.
Macular Degeneration
Risk factors include increasing age, family history of macular degeneration, cigarette smoking, cardiovascular risk factors, and certain dietary and lifestyle factors. Genetic susceptibility can influence the likelihood of developing the disease. Having disease in one eye also increases the importance of monitoring the other eye. Smoking is a particularly important modifiable risk factor.
Treatment
Goiter
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Macular Degeneration
Treatment comparison will be available soon.