Thyroid Problems

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Thyroid glands are situated on either side of the trachea below the larynx. Two lobes are connected by isthmus. It's one of the highest vascularised organs in the body.
They have 2 types of cells-

i.        Follicular cell- secretes thyroxin or, tetra-iodothyronine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) hormones.

ii.      Para-follicular cell- secretes calcitonin.

What are the Abnormalities of Thyroid Function?

(Please click the following links/points to know details about that disease) -

a.    Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is caused by deficiency of thyroid hormones. It has 2 types based on age.

i.        Cretinism (in children)

ii.      Myxedema (in adulŧ )

b.   Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is caused by increased secretion of thyroid hormones.

i.       Graves disease

ii.      Thyrotoxicosis

c.   Goiter

d.  Thyroiditis

e.  Tumors

From these, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are common problems.

What are the Thyroid Function Tests?

• Measurement of total serum T4 and T3.
• Measurement of free T4 and T3.
• TSH estimation.
• Radioactive iodine uptake by thyroid gland.
• Thyroid biopsy.
• Thyroid scan.
• Measurement of BMR.
• Determination of blood sugar and blood cholesterol level.