The thyroid gland and the importance of iodine The thyroid is a soft, butterfly-shaped gland that lies wrapped around the windpipe below the Adam's apple. Its job is to secrete thyroid hormones that help regulate metabolism - in other words, the many chemical processes that keep our bodies ticking over. The thyroid gland manufactures two essential hormones – thyroxine … [Read more...] about The thyroid gland and iodine
Archives for February 2012
Radioactive iodine treatment
Radioactive iodine treatment New York Times By MATTHEW L. WALD Published: October 24, 2010 WASHINGTON — Doctors told Ann B. Maddox that she had thyroid cancer and that the cure was to swallow radioactive iodine, to kill the malignant cells. She traveled 500 miles from her home in Fayetteville, N.C., for treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Then began a … [Read more...] about Radioactive iodine treatment
Iodide Heart Scans Linked to Thyroid Disease
By ANAHAD O'CONNOR, New York Times, January 23, 2012 Iodide Heart Scans A common iodide contrast agent given to millions of patients who undergo medical scans every year raises the risk of thyroid disease, a new study shows. Iodide, a form of the chemical element iodine, is widely used as a radiocontrast agent to allow doctors to see blood vessels and tissues in medical … [Read more...] about Iodide Heart Scans Linked to Thyroid Disease
Graves disease surgery
The results of a study from the University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit, Department of Surgery, Australia by doctors Michael Barakate, Gaurav Agarwal, Tom Reeve, Bruce Barraclough, Bruce Robinson and Leigh Delbridge. Published in the ANZ Journal of Surgery 2002 Graves disease surgery - study purpose Subtotal thyroidectomy has been advocated as the standard treatment … [Read more...] about Graves disease surgery
Thyroid cancer facts
Thyroid cancer facts The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones which are important in the normal regulation of the metabolism of the body. Thyroid cancer is three times more common in women than in men. There are four major types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. The cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, but certain risk factors have … [Read more...] about Thyroid cancer facts
Thyroid problems – How do you know if you have thyroid problems
How do you know if you have thyroid problems Symptoms of under-active thyroid include: fluid retention hair loss yellow skin on the palms sensitivity to heat or cold fatigue poor mental function slowed heart rate irregular periods very dry skin constipation high cholesterol What tests might you need? If thyroid disease is suspected, blood tests … [Read more...] about Thyroid problems – How do you know if you have thyroid problems
The thyroid gland
Where is the thyroid The thyroid gland or simply, the thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands. The thyroid gland is found in the neck, below the thyroid cartilage (which forms the laryngeal prominence, or "Adam's apple"). The isthmus (the bridge between the two lobes of the thyroid) is located inferior to the cricoid cartilage. The thyroid gets its name from the … [Read more...] about The thyroid gland
