Thyroid disorders

Thyroid, parathyroid

Thyroid

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, plays a pivotal role in the endocrine system, producing vital hormones that regulate the body's metabolism. Like other bodily organs, the thyroid can be afflicted with various diseases, impacting its ability to function optimally. This article delves into these disorders, shedding light on their characteristics and consequences.

Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism

Relative incidences of histopathologic diagnoses of solitary thyroid nodules

Functional Disorders of the Thyroid

Both hyperfunction and hypofunction of the thyroid gland can lead to significant health issues. Roughly 2% of the global population experiences these functional thyroid disorders.

Hypothyroidism: Underactivity of the Thyroid

Hypothyroidism refers to the diminished production of thyroid hormones, which can stem from various causes:

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
• Ord's thyroiditis: Another autoimmune condition leading to reduced hormone production.
• Postoperative hypothyroidism: A consequence of thyroid surgery, where part or all of the gland is removed.
• Postpartum thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid after childbirth.
• Silent thyroiditis: A painless form of thyroiditis often resolving on its own.
• Acute thyroiditis: A rare inflammation usually resulting from a bacterial infection.
• Iatrogenic hypothyroidism: Induced as a side effect of medications or treatments.

Hyperthyroidism: Overactivity of the Thyroid

Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones, resulting in an increased metabolism.

• Thyroid storm: A severe form of hyperthyroidism that can be life-threatening.
• Graves-Basedow disease: An autoimmune condition causing enlargement of the thyroid and excess hormone release.
• Toxic thyroid nodule: Solitary nodules in the thyroid producing excess hormones.
• Toxic nodular struma (Plummer's disease): Similar to the toxic thyroid nodule but with multiple nodules.
• Hashitoxicosis: A transient phase of hyperthyroidism seen in Hashimoto's disease.
• Iatrogenic hyperthyroidism: Induced by treatments or medications.
• De Quervain thyroiditis: Inflammatory disorder that starts with hyperthyroid symptoms but may eventually lead to hypothyroidism.

Photos of obese man with Infantilism and thyroid disorder

Myxedemous insanity

Anatomical Disorders of the Thyroid

Anomalies in the thyroid's structure can lead to functional problems:

• Goitre: Enlargement of the thyroid gland.
• Endemic goitre: Swelling due to iodine deficiency in the diet.
• Diffuse goitre: Even enlargement of the gland without any nodules.
• Multinodular goitre: Multiple nodules leading to an enlarged thyroid.
• Lingual thyroid: Presence of thyroid tissue at the base of the tongue.
• Thyroglossal duct cyst: A remnant from embryonic development that may cause a midline neck lump.

Tumors of the Thyroid

The thyroid can develop benign or malignant tumors:

• Thyroid adenoma: A benign tumor that may produce excess thyroid hormones.
• Thyroid cancer:
• Papillary: The most common form of thyroid cancer.
• Follicular: Originates from the follicular cells of the thyroid.
• Medullary: Begins in the C cells of the thyroid.
• Anaplastic: A rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer.

Lymphomas and metastasis: While rare, the thyroid can be affected by lymphomas or metastatic cancers from other sites.

Deficiencies and Other Disorders

Cretinism: A severe form of hypothyroidism from birth, leading to stunted physical and mental growth.

Medications Linked to Thyroid Disease

Certain drugs can impact thyroid function, including:

• amiodarone: Used for irregular heartbeats.
• lithium salts: Prescribed for bipolar disorder.
• Certain types of interferon.
• IL-2: A drug that impacts the immune system.

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