A goitre is simply a swelling of the thyroid gland. The presence of a goitre is a good indication that something is probably wrong with the thyroid. Iodine deficiency can lead to a goitre as the body tries to compensate by overstimulating the thyroid gland. The inflammation of Hashimoto's thyroiditis frequently also leads to a goitre. The overstimulation of the thyroid gland by Graves' disease antibodies can also lead to a goitre. Cancer or the growth of nodules can also produce a goitre. The cause of the goitre should be determined before appropriate treatment can begin.