The thyroid gland regulates the cellular metabolism of the entire body. If it is disturbed, all functions of the body can be affected. Hence the importance of treating them in time.
The Thyroid Gland and its function
The thyroid gland is an endocrine organ, that is, an organ capable of manufacturing hormones and secreting them into the bloodstream for distribution throughout the body, reaching each and every cell of the body. Thyroid hormones are indispensable for life, without them we would die in a short time.
The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, in front of the trachea and below the thyroid cartilage (the “nut”). It originates at the back of the tongue from where, in the first weeks of life, it migrates to its usual space. By the eleventh week of gestation, the fetus is already capable of manufacturing thyroid hormones.
The thyroid is composed of a multitude of small spheres, follicles, formed by cells specialized in the manufacture, storage and secretion of thyroid hormones.
The thyroid gland in particular is regulated by a hormone known as TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), produced in the pituitary gland. Without the latter, the thyroid gland would not function. Similarly, the synthesis of thyroid hormones requires the presence of iodine in the body, because without it there will be no normal amount of thyroid hormones either.
The function of thyroid hormones, simply explained, is the regulation of cellular metabolism in the whole organism but, in addition, it intervenes in the growth and differentiation of tissues, highlighting its role in the maturation of the central nervous system.
Thyroid gland, alterations
The thyroid gland can suffer three types of alterations:
a) Alterations due to thyroid hormone synthesis deficit- Hypothyroidism: It is called primary when it is due to thyroid disease or secondary when it is in the pituitary gland. The absence of thyroid hormones causes the whole organism to gradually shut down until death occurs.
b) Alterations by excess of synthesis – Hyperthyroidism: The excess of hormones produces an increase in the metabolic expense of the cells that originates their wear and tear and death. All organs are affected and the patient may also die.
c) Alterations in the shape of the gland without alterations in the synthesis of hormones: Alterations in the shape refer to the appearance of benign or malignant tumors.
Treatment of the alterations of the Thyroid Gland
There are different treatments according to the alteration of the Thyroid Gland. Thus, Hypothyroidism is treated with oral administration of synthetic thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism initially requires inhibitors of thyroid hormone synthesis and, subsequently, some patients may require surgery or administration of radioactive iodine.
Of the tumors, all malignant tumors and 20-30% of benign tumors require surgery; the remainder require observation and sometimes medical treatment to rest the gland.