What Diseases and Conditions Affect the Thyroid?
The most common problems that develop in the thyroid include:
* Hypothyroidism -- An underactive thyroid. ( When the thyroid gland is underactive, improperly formed at birth, surgically removed all or in part, or becomes incapable of producing enough thyroid hormone, a person is said to be hypothyroid. )
* Hyperthyroidism -- An overactive thyroid. ( When the thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone, a person is said to be hyperthyroid. )
* Goiter -- An enlarged thyroid. ( Sometimes the thyroid becomes enlarged -- due to Hashimoto's disease, Graves' disease, nutritional deficiencies, or other thyroid imbalances. When the thyroid become enlarged, this is known as a goiter. )
* Thyroid Nodules -- Lumps in the thyroid gland.
* Thyroid Cancer -- Malignant thyroid nodules or tissue. ( A small percentage of thyroid nodules are cancerous. While thyroid cancer is a rare cancer, it's on the rise. )
* Thyroiditis -- Inflammation of the thyroid. ( When the thyroid becomes inflamed, due to bacterial or viral illness, this is known as thyroiditis. )
Thyroid Testing and Diagnosis
Diagnosing thyroid disease is a process that can incorporate numerous factors, including clinical evaluation, blood tests, imaging tests, biopsies, and other tests.
OTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND PROCEDURES
Practitioners sometimes use other diagnostic tests and procedures to identify thyroid dysfunction. The use of these tests is considered controversial to mainstream practitioners, but many of these tests are well-accepted and in use among alternative, integrative and holistic physicians. These tests include:
* Iodine Patch Tests
* Saliva Testing
* Urinary Testing
* Basal Body Temperature Testing
DIAGNOSING THYROID CONDITIONS
Diagnosis of various thyroid disease and conditions involves clinical examination, blood tests, and in some cases, imaging tests and/or biopsy. There are different tests and procedures used to diagnose the following thyroid problems:
* Hypothyroidism
* Hashimoto’s Disease
* Hyperthyroidism
* Graves’ Disease
* Goiter
* Nodules
* Thyroid Cancer