The thyroid gland is one of the most important organs of the human endocrine system, which is responsible for the active synthesis of hormones related to iodine-containing. These hormones are thyroxine and triiodothyronine, they regulate metabolic processes in the body, and also promote the growth of individual cellular elements. In addition to these hormones, calcitonin and peptide hormone are formed in the thyroid gland. They are involved in maintaining the normal structural state of the skeletal system.

From the anatomical point of view   thyroid   consists of two halves, called lobes. These lobes are interconnected by narrow necks. This organ is rather small in size and consists entirely of follicular vesicles and tissue located between them. It is located on the front side of the neck and closely adjacent to the tracheal rings.

There is a wide variety of diseases of the thyroid gland, which can manifest as a change in its structure or impaired function with an increase or decrease in the level of hormone production. Common causes of such diseases include the following factors:

• The presence of pathologies on the part of the endocrine system in close relatives;
• Frequent and severe stressful effects on the body and physical overload;
• Insufficient intake of essential trace elements and vitamins due to improper nutrition;
• Living in areas with a poor environmental or radiation background;
• The impact on the body of an infectious factor or the presence of chronic somatic diseases;
• Uncontrolled use of certain types of drugs that affect the functioning of the endocrine system.

Thyroid cyst

The cyst of the thyroid gland is represented by a nodal nidus, in which the presence of a cavity is determined. This cavity is filled with colloidal liquid. Most often this pathology occurs in women, although the overall percentage of sick people is small. It is a predominantly benign disease and, in very rare cases, becomes a malignant process.

As mentioned earlier, the thyroid gland consists of follicular structures. From the inside, these formations have a cavity containing fluid in its composition. Normally, this fluid easily flows from the follicles. If this process is disturbed, then an increase in follicular formations in size and formation of a cyst of the thyroid gland occurs. In addition, it may occur as a result of dystrophic and hyperplasia changes in the follicles or in the presence of a traumatic effect on the organ.

Such a pathological process can arise as a result of all the factors listed above, among which genetic predisposition, inflammatory processes in the thyroid gland, insufficient iodine intake in the body, damaging effects, a shift in the body’s hormonal balance and congenital anomalies of the body structure are of most importance .

This disease can not manifest itself for a long time. The first symptoms occur if the cysts begin to grow. The manifestations of the pathological process include:

• Visual change in the structure of the thyroid gland;
• Squeezing the throat and feeling itchy;
• Pain in the neck;
• Violations of the process of breathing and swallowing;
• Changes in the voice function, which is manifested by hoarseness or loss of voice.

A cyst of the thyroid gland is dangerous due to the fact that it may be complicated by the development of a purulent process in it with the occurrence of severe intoxication and fever. In addition, when reaching a large size, it can significantly squeeze adjacent organs and vascular formations.

Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is a malignant neoplasm, the formation of which occurs from the cellular component of the organ itself. It is quite rare and makes up a relatively small part of all malignant processes. This disease is also more common in women. Its feature is that such a tumor can for a long period of time not to increase its size and not to metastasize to other organs and tissues.

Among the risk factors for thyroid cancer are radioactive and radiation exposure, the presence of the disease in close relatives, exposure to occupational hazards, benign neoplasms in the thyroid region, the presence of frequent stress to the body and bad habits.

Thyroid cancer is clinically manifested:

• The appearance of a palpable seal in this organ;
• Enlarged cervical lymph nodes;
• Soreness in the neck;
• The compression of the adjacent organs, which is manifested by hoarseness and difficulty in swallowing;
• Attacks of cough and shortness of breath, not associated with respiratory diseases.

Diagnosis of such diseases

The diagnostic methods for the above conditions include:

• Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland;
• Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging;
• Biopsy followed by histological examination;
• Scintigraphic study;
• Laboratory tests to determine the level of hormones and the presence of tumor markers.

Thyroid treatment and prevention methods

To ways   thyroid treatment   the presence of a cystic formation in it may include both conservative and operational methods. Conservative methods are used if the cyst is small and does not cause significant discomfort. Medicines used include:

• Thyroid hormone preparations;
• Iodine-containing products.

If there is evidence, it is possible to conduct surgery, in which the organ share is most often removed.

Cancer is a direct indication for surgical treatment. In addition, applied radioactive iodine, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

To methods   prophylaxis   These diseases include ensuring adequate intake of iodine in the body and passing annual preventive examinations at the endocrinologist.