Thyroid Functions and Abnormalities

How important is the Thyroid Gland for our body?

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that is responsible for several vital functions.

• It takes care of the metabolism of the entire body.
• It produces thyroxin, which is essential for the functioning of every cell in the body.
• It plays an important role in the normal growth and development.
• Thyroid dysfunction, be it hyper functioning or hypo functioning, can lead to clinical diseases. Iodine in diet is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid.
• Thyroid can also be seat of tumours and cancers.

What happens if there are thyroid abnormalities?

When thyroid secretion is low

All body functions are slowed down. The patient becomes lethargic. The heart rate becomes slow. The intestinal movements are sluggish and the neuro muscular system is also weak. In women, the hormonal imbalance produces irregularities in menstruation and may lead to sterility. All the symptoms can easily be corrected by taking thyroxin tablets. (These are inexpensive). The medical term for hypo functioning is ‘myxoedema’.

When thyroid secretion is high

Hyper functioning of the thyroid gland, also known as the ‘toxic state’, makes every organ work at a faster pace. The patient is hyper active, the heart rate is fast and the intestinal movements are rapid leading to a voracious appetite and diarrhoea. Rapid pulse rate for a long period can produce cardiac irregularities. This disease is also called ‘graves disease’.

Goitre

Goitre refers to enlargement of the thyroid gland. People living in hilly areas are more prone to goitre due to iodine deficiency. Hence, iodised salt is essential to control thyroid diseases. When multiple nodules occur in goitre it can compress vital structures in neck.

When is surgery required ?

Surgery is often required to correct certain nodules occurring in the thyroid. The common indications for surgery are:

1. Adenomas
2. Cancerous nodules
3. Multi nodular goitres
4. Graves disease [thyroid hyper functioning]

Surgical treatment for thyroid diseases was pioneered by Theodor Kocher in the late 19th century. He was awarded the Nobel prize for medicine in the year 1909.

The last hundred years have witnessed a great transformation in thyroid surgery and its surgical management. Thyroid surgeries are performed all over the world regularly and with minimal morbidity and mortality.