Definition of Thyroid Gland Disease
Thyroid Gland Diseases, especially benign and malignant tumors, ranks 2nd most in tumor diseases at EMC Hospital. The thyroid, better known as the thyroid gland , is located in the front of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. The thyroid gland, shaped like a small butterfly on the neck, functions to regulate various metabolic systems in the body so that its role is very important for health.
Under normal conditions, the thyroid gland tends not to be felt and its existence is ignored. But if there is swelling, then this thyroid takes the form of a lump and attracts attention. Such as feeling that you are gaining weight for no reason, mood changes, getting tired more quickly over the last few weeks or months, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing and breathing problems. The thyroid gland often occurs in women. Facts prove that women are 10 times more likely to experience thyroid disorders than men.
Thyroid Gland Symptoms
- Lumps in the neck, especially the front
- Muscle and joint pain
- Changes occur in the hair and skin
- Having digestive problems
- Irregular menstrual schedule
- High cholesterol.
Thyroid Gland Function
The thyroid gland produces the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). This hormone stimulates the metabolism of the body's cells, regulates the speed at which the body burns energy and makes energy and makes protein, and regulates the body's sensitivity to other hormones. The performance of the thyroid gland is controlled by the brain. If the body experiences a deficiency or excess of thyroid hormone, the brain will stimulate the thyroid gland to adjust its performance so that the hormone levels are back in balance.
Thyroid Gland Disease Trigger Factors
The thyroid gland can attack anyone, but there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing this disease. These trigger factors include:
- Age: The risk of goiter increases with age.
- Gender: Women have a higher risk than men.
- Heredity: Having a family member with thyroid cancer or an autoimmune disease increases your risk of thyroid gland disease.
- Medications: Such as amiodarone and immunosuppressants.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The risk of thyroid disorders increases when women are pregnant and breastfeeding, because these conditions require a higher metabolism so that the thyroid gland will be stimulated to produce more hormones.
- History of radiation exposure
- Stress: In this condition, a high metabolism is required so that the thyroid gland is stimulated to produce hormones to meet the high metabolic needs. This can explain the increasing frequency of thyroid disease and tumors in general today.
How to Diagnose the Thyroid Gland
A swollen thyroid gland can generally be detected by a doctor through a simple physical examination. An examination is carried out to detect the size and texture of the lump. In addition, several other tests are performed to provide more detailed information about the patient's condition, namely a thyroid scan, ultrasound, blood laboratory tests to determine thyroid function and its tumor markers and fine needle biopsy if needed.
Thyroid Gland Treatment Steps
If the lump continues to grow to the point that it interferes with the patient's health condition, there are several treatment steps that can be taken. Treatment methods that will be recommended by the doctor include hormone replacement therapy, thyroid hormone-lowering drugs, and surgical steps or if additional radioactive iodine therapy is needed for malignancy.
Those are some points you need to know about thyroid gland disease. This disease cannot be prevented, but you still need to pay attention to the consumption of thyroid-containing drugs at the correct dosage. In addition, reduce foods that contain iodine, such as table salt, fish and seaweed. While you may not be able to prevent thyroid disease, you can prevent complications by getting diagnosed and following the treatment prescribed by your doctor.