You can undergo a thyroid ultrasound to check for a thyroid problem. The ultrasound is painless and requires very little preparation, such as fasting. Instead, you will lie flat on a padded table, and the doctor will apply gel to the skin over the examined area. An ultrasound probe is then moved around your neck to help the doctor see all thyroid parts. The procedure usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.
Disorders of the thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is a specialized part of the body that produces a hormone that controls many body functions. A thyroid gland malfunction, known as hypothyroidism, can lead to symptoms like extreme fatigue, depression, and forgetfulness. In contrast, a disorder called hyperthyroidism leads to symptoms like irritability, muscle weakness, and loss of sleep. The disease is also known as Graves’ disease and affects about one percent of the population. Thyroid problems must be diagnosed and treated early to prevent mental retardation and other long-term consequences.
In the pediatric age group, thyroid disorders are most common. Hypothyroidism affects the development of the child and affects growth and neurologic development. The hormones produced by the thyroid stimulate cellular growth and differentiation, influence the metabolism of carbohydrates, and stimulate neurotransmitter function. While these changes in thyroid function are mainly harmless, they can affect the child’s overall development and lead to mental and physical problems.
The thyroid gland is covered by a fibrous sheath and is protected by two muscles, the infrahyoid muscle on the front of the neck and the sternocleidomastoid muscle on the side. However, due to its firm attachment to the trachea, the thyroid occasionally moves during swallowing.
Symptoms
Thyroid disease is a common condition that can affect anyone. There is no one cause, but genetics and lifestyle changes can affect thyroid health. Also, medications, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can affect thyroid function. Therefore, you must talk to your healthcare provider to determine if you have thyroid problems.
If you suspect you have thyroid disease, you should get a complete physical exam, including a thyroid blood test. A doctor may also order an ultrasound, which will reveal any abnormalities. Although most thyroid nodules are benign, ten percent are cancerous. If the thyroid gland is underactive, it causes hypothyroidism, a condition that affects the production of hormones in the body. People with thyroid disease often experience a slow or fast heartbeat, weight gain, and dry, uncomfortable skin.
Fatigue is another common symptom of thyroid disease. A person suffering from this condition may experience extreme fatigue throughout the day. In some cases, fatigue is so severe that it can affect daily life. Some sufferers report waking up exhausted, having to sleep marathons on their days off, or feeling anxious and depressed at bedtime. Additionally, people suffering from thyroid problems risk depression and anxiety. Hypothyroidism can lead to depression, while hyperthyroidism may cause panic attacks and anxiety.
Location
The thyroid gland is a small, spherical structure surrounded by follicles. Each follicle contains a central cavity, which stores thyroid hormones and other molecules. These follicles are highly specialized, absorbing iodine and storing it in the form of thyroglobulin. The thyroid produces these hormones, which are secreted into the bloodstream.
The location of the thyroid is often unclear, and the thyroid can have multiple locations. The thyroid isthmus can be located in several locations, including the neck, lungs, and tracheal duct. Thyroid isthmus measurements can be used to understand the morphology of the thyroid gland better. They are also helpful in surgical procedures that involve this region.
The thyroid gland is the largest endocrine gland in the human body. It is located in the front part of the neck, just below the larynx, and in front of the trachea. Thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolism, heart, muscle function, and brain development. The iodine in these hormones is essential for proper thyroid function.
