Thyroid Disease

It’s important to note that the diseases related to the thyroid are more common in women than in men. This is probably because thyroid disease is often auto-immune (antibody mediated). Mostly autoimmune conditions are more common in women. The thyroid gland, which is located in the neck, secretes hormones necessary for growth and proper metabolism. The gland plays an important role in the growth and mental development of both the fetus and child. It continues to play a strong role in heart rate and weight during adulthood. This hormone has an effect on nearly all tissues of the body where it increases cellular activity Metabolic disorders occur when the thyroid secretes too little or too much hormone.

Common Problems
The thyroid gland is susceptible to several distinct problems. These problems can be further broken down into several small sub-divisions namely:- Those concerning the production of hormone, those due to increased growth of the thyroid, the formation of nodules or lumps within the thyroid and those which are cancerous.

Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism occurs approximately eight to ten times more often in women than in men, with women in their twenties and thirties the most commonly affected. This condition is the result of an excessive amount of thyroid hormone in a person’s system. There are a number of disorders associated with it. The most common form of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, is an autoimmune condition that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormone by an enlarged thyroid gland. In addition to the classic features of increased production of thyroid hormone and a diffusely enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), some people with Graves’ disease may develop exophthalmos (prominent eyes that protrude from the sockets) and edema (swelling) of the legs. For people in their seventies and eighties, hyperthyroidism is often the result of a thyroid with several nodules or lumps that make too much thyroid hormone. This condition, called Plummer’s disease, is often accompanied.

Goiter: It is a dramatic enlargement of the thyroid gland. Goiters are often removed because of cosmetic reasons or, more commonly, because they compress other vital structures of the neck including the trachea and the esophagus making breathing and swallowing difficult. Sometimes goiters will actually grow into the chest where they can cause trouble as well. Several nice x-rays will help explain all types of thyroid goiter problems.

Thyroid Cancer: It is a fairly common malignancy, however, the vast majority have excellent long term survival. We now include a separate page on the characteristics of each type of thyroid cancer and its typical treatment, follow-up, and prognosis.

Solitary Thyroid Nodules: There are several characteristics of solitary nodules of the thyroid which make them suspicious for malignancy. Although as many as 50% of the population will have a nodule somewhere in their thyroid, the overwhelming majority of these are benign. Occasionally, thyroid nodules can take on characteristics of malignancy and require either a needle biopsy or surgical means too much thyroid hormone. Current methods used for treating a hyperthyroid patient are radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid drugs, or surgery. Each method has advantages and disadvantages and is selected for individual patients. Many times the situation will suggest that all three methods are appropriate, while other circumstances will dictate a single best therapeutic option. Surgery is the least common treatment selected for hyperthyroidism.