The parathyroid glands are located behind the thyroid, in your neck. Hypoparathyroidism is a condition where the body does not produce sufficient parathyroid hormone or PTH. PTH is responsible for the regulation of phosphorus and calcium levels in your body. This is circulated in your blood and stored in your bones. PTH directly affects your body’s reservoir of calcium … [Read more...] about Hypoparathyroidism – Its Causes and Treatments
What Are the Parathyroid Glands?
What Are the Parathyroid Glands? Peppered throughout the human body are small organs known as glands. These organs have a complex and important job without which we couldn’t survive. They produce hormones that keep the body functioning properly. Among the most critical are the endocrine glands. These include the pituitary gland, which secretes hormones regulating growth, pain … [Read more...] about What Are the Parathyroid Glands?
Management of Atypical Thyroid Nodules
By Ashleigh Elkins This article discusses the management of patients who have atypical thyroid nodules. Thyroid nodules are quite common in the general population. Thyroid nodules may be detected because some people feel a lump in their neck or throat, whilst in other people there are no symptoms and the nodule is found incidentally on ultrasound examination. Thyroid … [Read more...] about Management of Atypical Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid Problems and Fertility
The thyroid gland affects many body systems and physiological processes, including fertility and reproduction. Disorders of the thyroid gland, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can affect fertility, miscarriage and pregnancy outcomes. Subfertility is a term used to describe a state of reduced fertility; where it takes a longer time than expected to conceive. … [Read more...] about Thyroid Problems and Fertility
Symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism
By Ashleigh Elkins The parathyroid glands are four small, pea-sized glands that are located behind the larger, butterfly-shaped thyroid gland. The parathyroid glands are named for their location. There are two superior thyroid glands, which are found behind the top part of the thyroid lobes; one behind the right thyroid lobe and one behind the left thyroid lobe. There are … [Read more...] about Symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism
Increased Thyroid Cancer Incidence & Increased Use of Thyroid Ultrasound and Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
Increased Thyroid Cancer Incidence The incidence (i.e. the number of new cases) of thyroid cancer has seen an increase in the past few decades. However, during the same period of time, there has also been an increase in the utilisation of imaging and biopsy to help detect thyroid cancer. As a result, the increased incidence of thyroid cancer in the recent past may not actually … [Read more...] about Increased Thyroid Cancer Incidence & Increased Use of Thyroid Ultrasound and Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
Sistrunk Procedure for Thyroglossal Duct Cyst
By Ashleigh Elkins Background A thyroglossal duct cyst is a congenital abnormality that results from a persistent thyroglossal duct. Thyroglossal cysts present as a neck swelling, generally in the midline or slightly to one side. They are generally smooth and painless. However, thyroglossal cysts are prone to infection and an infected cyst will often be quite painful.[1] Some … [Read more...] about Sistrunk Procedure for Thyroglossal Duct Cyst
Minimally Invasive Thyroid Surgery
By Ashleigh Elkins Thyroidectomy is a commonly performed surgical procedure which involves the removal of the thyroid gland. Historically, thyroidectomy has been performed as an open procedure with an incision in the anterior neck, which is usually longer than 6 centimetres. The open procedure provides the surgeon with good visualisation and exposure of the thyroid gland … [Read more...] about Minimally Invasive Thyroid Surgery
Is there a link between Hypothyroidism and Mild Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly
Thyroid dysfunction has thought to possibly contribute to memory disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Consequently, in patients who are experiencing memory problems, thyroid function tests are commonly ordered. A recent study aimed to see if elderly patients with hypothyroidism were more likely to suffer from mild cognitive impairment than elderly … [Read more...] about Is there a link between Hypothyroidism and Mild Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly
Diagnostic Tests for the Thyroid Gland
By Ashleigh Elkins There are many different tests that can be used to help confirm the diagnosis of a thyroid problem. Based on taking a history and performing a physical examination, if your doctor suspects you have a problem with your thyroid gland, he or she will most likely order one or more tests to help confirm or rule out the diagnosis of a thyroid disorder. Common … [Read more...] about Diagnostic Tests for the Thyroid Gland