The thyroid gland is an important organ that secretes specific hormones responsible for the functioning of many organs. Violation of the thyroid gland does not occur immediately, but the consequences of violations affect the whole body. Thyroid diseases thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, cyst, cancer, adenoma, Graves disease cannot be ignored. An endocrinologist performs a full examination of the thyroid gland in order to establish the cause of the disease.
In front of the neck just below the larynx, this important organ. It has the size of a large butterfly and even resembles it a little in shape. Low weight, not exceeding 30 grams, does not correspond to the important role that the thyroid gland plays in the body. It secretes hormones into the blood, the work of which can be compared with the power of powerful engines. Thyroid diseases are difficult to treat, so the first manifestations of symptoms are so important to notice in time and seek medical help. Radiation diagnostics is one of the important examination methods, however, there are more modern methods, which we will talk about.
Important symptoms of thyroid disease
The hormones produced by the thyroid are thyroxine (abbreviated T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Signs indicating a malfunction of the body should alert everyone. Diagnosis of the thyroid gland will help to recognize the disease.
Key features:
- an increase in the lower part of the neck,
- tearfulness
- an increase in eyeballs,
- soreness when touching the neck,
- difficulty swallowing
- insomnia,
- sweating
- dyspnea,
- weight loss or vice versa increase,
- cardiopalmus,
- diarrhea or constipation
- dry skin.
A serious consequence of the congenital absence of thyroid hormone was once cretinism, manifested by inhibition of the skeletal and nervous systems. Today in the world there are children born with this defect, for which the reason was a lack of iodine in the diet of pregnant women. Pregnant women must eat proper nutrition and consume the right amount of iodine.
Examination of the thyroid gland includes several methods. Sometimes doctors prescribe a comprehensive examination to confirm the diagnosis.
Thyroid Examination
The absence of symptoms of the disease – what could be worse. It turns out that a person lives and does not even suspect about serious health problems. Ignoring the symptoms will also not end in good. How to examine the thyroid gland and is it necessary?
Examination of the body as a whole is an integral part of our life. After all, taking care of yourself is important in order to live a long and healthy life. Unfortunately, not all of us specifically go to the doctor just to make sure about the quality of our health. Very often, diseases of the thyroid gland and not only are detected on the mandatory passage of a professional examination. Analyzes during the examination of the thyroid gland will help the endocrinologist to establish the disease.
Thyroid diagnostic methods:
- Ultrasound diagnostics. This method is considered universal, as it is able to get an idea of the thyroid gland using an ultrasound machine. Using this test, you can determine the presence of nodules and their structure. Diagnosis gives information about the size of the organ and the presence of a tumor. The time takes a few minutes. It has no contraindications, therefore it is allowed to pregnant women.
- Radionuclide diagnostics. The method allows you to evaluate the tissue structure and its disorders. If there is a suspicion of a tumor, in this case this diagnostic method cannot be avoided, as it will help determine the type of cancer cells. The patient is given a sodium iodide preparation on an empty stomach and, after a few hours, thyroid radiometry is performed.
- Cytology. Cytological diagnosis of thyroid disease is one of the important procedures in identifying a disease. Based on tissue sampling for further research at the cellular level. Thus, thanks to laboratory diagnostics, it is possible to determine the presence of abnormal cells and identify a suspicion of a malignant tumor. There are some contraindications, so a conversation with an endocrinologist before diagnosis is very important.
A comprehensive examination of the thyroid gland involves palpation (the doctor learns about an organ enlargement), a biochemical blood test. Yes, all this is a laborious and lengthy process, and moreover, expensive. But it is important to understand that life and health are more expensive than any money.