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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

Common Thyroid Problems

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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