At what grade is the goiter only visible when the neck is extended?

The correct identification of when a goiter becomes visible only when the neck is extended corresponds to Grade 1. In this grading system, a Grade 0 signifies no visible enlargement of the thyroid gland, while Grade 1 indicates a goiter that can only be detected upon extension of the neck. This means that the enlargement may not be apparent during normal posture but becomes visible when a person stretches or tilts their head back.

Understanding the grading helps to assess the severity and progression of thyroid enlargement. Grade 2 would describe goiter that is visible without any neck extension, whereas Grade 3 represents a very large goiter that may cause visible deformity of the neck or obstruct the trachea. This progression highlights the need for awareness and monitoring of thyroid conditions, emphasizing the importance of early detection and potential intervention before more severe grades develop.