The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just above the windpipe that plays a key role. It makes, stores and releases hormones, called T4 and T3, which activate metabolism and regulate the function of every organ, tissue and cell in the human body.
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
This is why a thyroid dysfunction affects heart rate, cholesterol level, body weight, muscle strength, skin condition, menstrual regularity and memory. It influences the growth of children and adolescents, regulates the assimilation of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and the energy we need.
When it does not work well and causes an excess (Hyperthyroidism) or a defect (Hypothyroidism) of hormone, symptoms appear so wide and diverse that they can be confused with other diseases: From bronchitis, insomnia, menstrual disorders, diarrhea, dermatitis, amnesias, depression….
The correct diagnosis is essential to start treatment as soon as possible, especially in the case of pregnant women, children and adolescents, since any of the dysfunctions interfere with pregnancy and growth.
The thyroid nodule
On other occasions the gland is functioning correctly but one or more nodules are detected. The thyroid nodule is one of the most frequent causes of consultation in the Endocrinology Department, patients come alarmed either because they themselves have noticed a “lump” in the neck or referred by other specialists due to the finding, often by chance, during an imaging test (ultrasound, MRI, CT, PET…) performed for another reason or during a routine checkup.
Obviously, once the nodule has been detected, the important thing is to rule out that it is a malignant lesion, a thyroid cancer, which occurs in only 4-6.5% of nodules.
Thyroid tumors should be treated by endocrinologists with proven experience in this pathology and within a multidisciplinary hospital unit such as the one at HM-Monteprincipe University Hospital.