What is the Thyroid?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in front of your neck just below the voice box (larynx). It secretes hormones that help regulate your body’s metabolism.
What are the Common Thyroid Disorders
Over or underproduction of the thyroid gland can result in thyroid disorders. Some of the thyroid disorders include:
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive gland)
- Hypothyroidism (underactive gland)
- Thyroid nodules (abnormal growth of thyroid gland cells)
- Thyroid cancer
Treatment of Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders can be treated through conservative methods or surgery.
Non-surgical methods are the first line of treatment for thyroid disorders, and include:
- Hypothyroidism: Synthetic thyroid hormone medications to replace the missing hormone
- Hyperthyroidism: Medications to slow down the production of thyroid hormone, other medications for managing symptoms such as increased heart rate, or radioactive ablation (directing radioactive energy to selectively destroy the thyroid tissue)
Treatment of thyroid cancer or thyroid nodules involves thyroid surgery.