The Thyroid Gland Illustrated

Functions of the Thyroid Gland
  • Secretes Thyroid Hormone

  • Regulates metabolism

  • Body’s thermostat

  • Hormone levels are regulated in response to signals from the pituitary gland in the brain (TSH)
Common Thyroid Problems

HYPOTHYROIDISM

  • Fatigue

  • Weight gain

  • Feeling cold

  • Dry skin and hair

  • Depression

  • Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

HYPERTHYROIDISM

  • Shaking, jitters

  • Weight loss

  • Feeling hot

  • Rapid heartbeat

  • Hair loss

Thyroid Nodules

  • "Lumps” of tissue within the thyroid gland

  • One or many Solid or cystic (fluid filled)

  • Very common

  • Usually benign (not cancerous)
Thyroid Nodules

  • 4-7% of adult population in the USA have a palpable thyroid nodule

  • Over 50% have a nodule detectable with ultrasound

  • More common in women

 

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Thyroid Nodules

HIGH SUSPICION FOR CANCER

  • Family history of thyroid nodules

  • Rapid growth

  • A firm or hard nodule

  • Hoarseness

  • Enlarged lymph nodes

MODERATE SUSPICION FOR CANCER

  • Age < 20 or > 70

  • Men

  • History of irradiation

  • Large size

  • Compressive symptoms
Thyroid Nodules Work Up

  • Physical Exam

  • Lab work

  • Ultrasound/CT scan

  • Many nodules are found as part of work up for other conditions
Thyroid Surgical Treatment

SINGLE NODULE

Lobectomy versus total thyroidectomy

  • Frozen section analysis during surgery
  • Age, operative risk are important factors

BILATERAL NODULES

Higher inclination towards total thyroidectomy
Thyroid Surgical Treatment

DURING SURGERY

  • 1.5 – 2 inch incision

  • 1.5 – 2 hours

  • “Day Surgery”

  • Risks

    • Recurrent laryngeal nerve
    • Parathyroid glands

AFTER SURGERY

  • Minimal discomfort

  • Rapid return to work and normal activities

  • Medications

    • Thyroid supplement
    • Calcium supplement

  • Additional treatment

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