Thyroid
A member of our endocrine system, the thyroid gland produces hormones that help control many of our body functions, such as weight and temperature.
Located at the base of our neck, this butterfly-shaped gland makes several hormones, which are collectively known as thyroid hormones. These hormones are especially key in the brain development of infants and children.
Thyroxine, also known as T4, is the primary hormone secreted by the thyroid gland; this hormone helps control our metabolism, a chemical process that turns our food into energy.
A lack of iodine in your food can cause the thyroid to swell, a condition called a goiter. Several other disorders and diseases can affect this gland, including cancer. If you notice swelling in your neck or feel a lump, make sure you see your doctor; this could indicate a problem with this important gland.
Recently Answered
- Q What is thyroglobulin?
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Thyroglobulin (Tg) is a protein made by the thyroid that carries thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is the only organ which makes Tg. Therefore, Tg is a good test to tell if there are thyroid cells in the body. Once the whole thyroid is taken... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of colloid thyroid nodules?
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Many people with colloid thyroid nodules do not even know they have them, so you may not notice any symptoms at all. Things to watch for include swelling or small lumps that you feel underneath the skin on your neck. More severe symptoms may arise if... Full Answer
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- Q What is a cold nodule?
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A cold nodule is when radioactive material is used to examine the thyroid with a scanner. Nodules that collect less radioactive material than the surrounding thyroid tissue are considered "cold." A nodule that is cold does not make thyroid hormone. Cold... Full Answer
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- Q How does the body regulate thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)?
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Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), also known as thyrotropin, is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain and causes the thyroid to make thyroid hormone (T4 and T3). The pituitary gland acts like the thermostat in your home and controls how... Full Answer
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- Q What effects does thyroid hormone have?
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Thyroid hormone has a number of different effects. Overall, the thyroid can be thought of as controlling the body's metabolism. Thyroid hormone increases the heart rate and how forcefully the heart squeezes. It also affects how fast food moves... Full Answer
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- Q What tests evaluate thyroid function?
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The two most commonly used laboratory evaluations to test thyroid function are free T4 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Because over 99% of released thyroid hormone is attached to proteins in the blood, it is believed that measuring the... Full Answer
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- Q Can colloid thyroid nodules be prevented?
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Often, you cannot control whether or not you develop colloid thyroid nodules. However, sometimes altering your diet can help. Nodules can grow due to a lack of iodine in the body, so be sure your iodine intake as at the right level. Full Answer
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- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with thyroid cysts?
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Thyroid cysts are usually not serious, so if you are caring for someone who has them, you probably do not need to do more than keep an eye out in case the cysts grow larger or other symptoms appear. You should be sure that the person you are caring for... Full Answer
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- Q How do other illnesses affect colloid thyroid nodules?
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Sometimes illnesses of the thyroid can cause thyroid nodules to develop. Thyroiditis is an illness in which the thyroid becomes inflamed, and stems from a variety of causes. Thyroiditis, especially experiencing multiple cases of thyroiditis in a short... Full Answer
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- Q Do colloid thyroid nodules affect children differently than adults?
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Thyroid nodules are more likely to develop in adults. Therefore, children are rarely affected. However, the effects of colloid thyroid nodules are about the same regardless of a person's age. Full Answer
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