The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland in the neck, consisting of two lobes connected by an isthmus. It is found at the front of the neck, below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones, which primarily influence the metabolic rate and protein synthesis. These hormones affect a variety of functions, including development.

SYMPTOMS

Most patients usually complain about a swelling in the neck. This is something they come to notice on their own or by some member of the family. The swelling is called nodule. Most thyroid nodules (around 90%) are benign. A small percentage of thyroid nodules may be malignant.

DIAGNOSIS

Thyroid nodules are usually discovered by the health care professional during routine physical examination of the neck. Occasionally, a patient may notice a nodule as a small lump in their neck when looking in the mirror. Once a nodule is discovered, a physician will carefully evaluate it and proceed to an ultrasonography scanning.

TREATMENT

All sizeable nodules, other nodules highly suspicious for cancer and definite cancer should be treated by surgery. Most thyroid cancers are curable and rarely cause life-threatening problems. Certain types of thyroid cancer may require of secondary treatment with radioactive iodine.

PROGNOSIS

Most thyroid cancers are benign and patients do fine after surgery, provided that they have been operated by a specialized head and neck surgeon so that they maximize the effect of their oncological treatment.