_________________________________________________________________________ Thyroid Dysfunction
Goiter belt : A term used to describe geographical areas where there are insufficient natural sources of iodine available for consumption, causing a higher rate of hypothyroidism. Goitrogens : Substances that block or interfere with iodine absorption. Graves disease : A condition causing overproduction of thyroid hormone, resulting in hyperthyroidism. Hashimoto thyroiditis : An autoimmune disorder in which abnormal antibodies attack the thyroid gland and cause hypothyroidism. Hot nodule : A nodule that continues to produce thyroid hormone and takes up more radioactive material when a scan is performed. Seldom cancerous. Hyperthyroidism : Condition characterized by excess thyroid hormone production. Hypothyroidism : Condition characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production. Multinodular goiter : The presence of numerous nodules on the thyroid gland, which interferes with normal thyroid function. Myxedema : A form of cutaneous and dermal edema caused by severely decreased thyroid hormone available for use in the body. Thyroxine (T4) : A hormone produced by the thyroid gland involved in regulating metabolic processes and physical devel- opment. Triiodothyronine (T3) : A hormone produced by the thyroid gland with very wide effects, including on the autonomic nervous system. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) : A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid gland to secrete T 4 and T 3 .
CONCLUSION The thyroid gland is a small but vital member of the endocrine system. Tiny alterations in its function can adversely affect patients’ daily lives. Most healthcare professionals frequently encounter patients with some sort of thyroid dysfunction. Whether it is hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or thyroid cancer, many patients are dealing with the treatment of thyroid dysfunction. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction so they may appropriately identify the conditions in their patients. Early and accurate diagnosis results in early initiation of treatment and better patient outcomes. RESOURCES This list of resources may be helpful for healthcare profes- sionals and patients. They are groups and agencies that have information available for people with thyroid cancer or any other thyroid condition. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists https://www.aace.com American Thyroid Association https://www.thyroid.org Graves Disease and Thyroid Foundation https://www.gdatf.org Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. (ThyCa, Inc.) https://www.thyca.org GLOSSARY OF TERMS Cold nodule : A nodule with little or no thyroid hormone production, resulting in less radioactive material uptake when a scan is performed. May indicate cancer. Euthyroid : A normally functioning thyroid gland. Exophthalmos : Bulging eyes seen in patients with hyperthy- roidism. Fine-needle aspiration : A diagnostic procedure whereby a thin needle is used to remove fluid and cells from a nodule to be sent to the pathology laboratory for diagnosis. Goiter : An enlarged thyroid gland.
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