Some inland areas, where soil and water lacks iodine compounds and consumption of marine foods is low, are known for higher incidence of goitre. In such areas goitre is said to be "endemic".^{[citation needed]}

This type of goitre is easily preventable. In most developed countries regulations have been put into force by health policy institutions requiring salt, flour or water to be fortified with iodine.^{[citation needed]}

Treatment of endemic goitre is medical with iodine and thyroxine preparations. Surgery is only necessary in cases that are complicated by significant compression of nearby structures.^{[citation needed]}