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Thyroid disorders affect a small butterfly-shaped gland - the thyroid. This gland is located at the front of the neck under the skin and produces several hormones using iodine. These hormones regulate metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and the body’s reaction to other hormones.
There are different types of thyroid disorders that either affect thyroid function or structure.
Also called underactive thyroid disease, hypothyroidism refers to less thyroid hormone production. This can occur because of issues within the thyroid gland, hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
The doctor may perform a series of tests, including a physical exam, thyroid blood tests and imaging tests.
The treatment is based on the patient’s age, symptoms and overall health. Usually, medications are prescribed to improve the level of thyroid hormone & may be taken lifelong.
Also known as overactive thyroid disease, hyperthyroidism is characterised by overproduction of thyroid hormones. It can be caused by excessive iodine consumption, Graves’ disease (an autoimmune disorder), overactive thyroid nodules or thyroiditis. ( Viral Infection )
The doctor asks questions related to symptoms and medical history and conducts a physical exam. He may also perform several blood tests and imaging tests for the diagnosis.
The treatment depends on the cause, severity and age of the patient. The doctor may advise on medicines, radioiodine therapy or surgery. The main goal is to maintain normal thyroid hormone levels.
These are fluid-filled or solid lumps that form inside the thyroid. They can be caused by benign tumours, benign cysts, or less commonly by thyroid cancer.
Most thyroid nodules don’t cause symptoms. But if the nodules become large, they produce symptoms like:
If the nodules overproduce thyroid hormones, the symptoms might be:
The doctor usually goes with a physical exam, thyroid function tests, ultrasound, thyroid scan and/or fine-needle aspiration biopsy, in which the doctor takes a sample of nodule cells through a thin needle for testing.
The treatment depends on the type of thyroid nodule and its cause. If tests show that it is benign, the doctor closely monitors the patient and periodically conducts physical exams and ultrasounds.
If the nodules cause breathing difficulties, trouble swallowing, or affect thyroid hormones, the doctor may advise surgery to remove the nodule. And if the thyroid nodule is cancerous, the patient may require surgery, radiation therapy, radioiodine therapy, chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy.
Goiter is explained as an enlargement of the thyroid gland. It can occur due to Graves’ disease, inflammation of the thyroid, nodules, thyroid cancer and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder that leads to hypothyroidism). Some also get this during their pregnancy.
The doctor will check the neck and suggest a few diagnostic tests like ultrasound, thyroid scan, blood tests or biopsy.
Based on the goiter’s size and condition and symptoms, the doctor will recommend a treatment course. Its treatment may include medication, surgery and radioactive iodine therapy.
Abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the thyroid is termed thyroid cancer. This occurs when the cells in the thyroid develop changes in their DNA.
Usually, it doesn't produce symptoms initially. But as it grows, the patient may experience:
The doctor may prescribe blood tests, a biopsy, imaging tests or radioiodine scans.
Its treatment depends on the tumour size and whether the cancer has spread to other body parts. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, radioiodine therapy, chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy.
Also, Read: Vitamin D: Signs That You Need It
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