The thyroid gland is prone to several very distinct thyroid diseases, some of which are extremely common. These thyroid diseases can be broken down into thyroid disease:
Concerning the production of hormone (too much, or too little hormone),
Thyroid disease due to increased growth of the thyroid causing compression of important neck structures or simply appearing as a mass in the neck,
Thyroid diseases involving the formation of nodules or lumps within the thyroid which are worrisome for the presence of thyroid cancer,
Thyroid disease where nodules are cancerous.
Thyroid Disease Goiters - A thyroid goiter is a thyroid disease involving dramatic enlargement of the thyroid gland. In this form of thyroid disease, goiters are often removed because of cosmetic reasons or, more commonly, because this thyroid disease can compress other vital structures of the neck including the trachea and the esophagus making breathing and swallowing difficult. Sometimes thyroid disease goiters will actually grow into the chest where they can cause trouble as well. X-rays will help explain all types of thyroid goiter problems.
Thyroid Disease Cancer - Thyroid cancer is a fairly common thyroid disease malignancy, however, the vast majority have excellent long term survival.
Thyroid Disease Nodules - There are several characteristics of solitary thyroid disease nodules of the thyroid gland 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 disease nodules can take on characteristics of malignancy and require either a needle biopsy or surgical excision. Ultrasound may be helpful in diagnosing thyroid disease nodules and masses.
Thyroid Disease Hyperthyroidism - Hyperthyroidism means too much thyroid hormone is being produced. Current methods used for treating a thyroid disease hyperthyroid patient are radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid drugs, or surgery. Each thyroid disease control method has advantages and disadvantages and is selected for individual patients. Many times the situation will suggest that all three thyroid disease control methods are appropriate, while other circumstances will dictate a single best therapeutic option. Surgery is the least common treatment selected for hyperthyroidism thyroid disease.
Thyroid Disease Hypothyroidism - Hypothyroidism means too little thyroid hormone and is a common thyroid disease problem. In fact, hypothyroidism is often present for a number of years before it is recognized and treated. There are several common causes. Hypothyroidism thyroid disease can even be associated with pregnancy. Treatment for all types of hypothyroidism thyroid disease is usually straightforward.
Thyroid Disease Thyroiditis - is an inflammatory process ongoing within the thyroid gland. Thyroiditis thyroid disease can be present with a number of symptoms such as fever and pain, but it can also present as subtle findings of hypo or hyper-thyroidism. There are a number of causes, some more common than others.
