What are thyroid problems?

Inside the body, located in the neck, is a large gland known as the thyroid. The thyroid resembles a butterfly in shape, weighs up to 20 grams in some individuals, and is used by the body to regulate the burning of energy and creation of protein. The thyroid produces hormones such as triiodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄) for this regulation process.

When something is wrong with the thyroid's condition, different diseases can come into play. These are considered to be thyroid problems. There are different classifications of these diseases, along with varying particular conditions within those categories. Several classifications of thyroid problems are described below, with information about some types of conditions included within their groups.

Hypothyroidism

When insufficient thyroid hormones are being produced, the medical condition is known as hypothyroidism. This underlying lack of T₃ and/or T₄ can lead to different diseases. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a common example of this type of thyroid problem. Cretinism, a result of an iodine deficiency, is also included. Iodine is required for proper production of these hormones.

Hyperthyroidism

As the opposite of hypothyroidism, a case of hyperthyroidism occurs when excessive amounts of T₃ and/or T₄ are produced by the thyroid. Some possible thyroid problems to be brought on by this state include Graves' disease and thyroid storm.

Anatomical disorders

Abnormalities of the thyroid are considered to be kinds of anatomical disorders. A goiter is perhaps the most well-known of these conditions. Other ones include lingual thyroid and thyroglossal cyst. A case of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may be the root of an anatomical thyroid disorder.

Tumors

Thyroid tumors range from benign to cancerous (malignant). A thyroid adenoma is a benign tumor, while others such as anaplastic, follicular, medullary, and papillary cancer are malignant. Lymphoma is also a form of thyroid cancer.

This is a brief introduction to such conditions. To learn more, visit this thyroid problems website designed particularly with information about the conditions.