The thyroid gland is an H shaped organ that is located in the front of the neck, in the space below Adam’s apple and above the breastbone. It sits on top of the trachea (the main airway). Specifically, it is an endocrine gland (an organ responsible for hormonal function).
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing two main hormones, T4 and T3. These play a critical role in the regulation of metabolism in adults. They play a role with/have an effect on almost every organ in the human body. Thyroid hormone creation and storage is a process that is carefully monitored and regulated by the body.
These type of issues typically involve hormone problems, either too much or too little hormone production. Alternatively, it can also revolve around incorrect function of the hormone despite appropriate production. This is typically worked up and diagnosed and managed by your primary care doctor or endocrinologist.
These issues are a result of an abnormal nodule or enlarged thyroid gland. They are often found by chance, either by the physician on a routine exam, by the patient, or on imaging such as a CT scan or MRI. These findings are typically either monitored with imaging or treated in a surgical or minimally invasive fashion.
*Please note: It is important that any anatomic abnormality of the thyroid gland be evaluated appropriately prior to any treatment to exclude the possibility of thyroid cancer. This is typically initiated by your endocrinologist or primary care doctor and often involves a radiologist who is specialized in thyroid imaging and sampling.
Learn more about thyroid ultrasound and sampling/FNA (fine needle aspiration).
