Diagnosis of thyroid disease

Analysis of the history of diseases and an immediate examination - two important stage of diagnosis of thyroid diseases. To determine the disease used several different tests - blood tests, ultrasound of the thyroid aspiration diagnostic puncture.

Blood test

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): in most cases, a blood test for TSH is considered the most effective method for the diagnosis of thyroid disease. Low in thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood suggests hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone). If the content of TSH in the blood is high, it indicates a decrease in thyroid function (hypothyroidism).
• Thyroxine (T4): T4 - one of the thyroid hormones. High levels of thyroxine Thyroxine - the main thyroid hormone   evidence of hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism: increased secretion of thyroid hormone , Low levels of thyroxine may indicate hypothyroidism.
• Triiodothyronine (T3): T3 - another type of thyroid hormones Thyroid hormones: mechanism of action and physiological effects , Which means a low level of hypothyroidism, and high - hyperthyroidism.
• Antithyroid antibodies: The antibodies present in the blood for certain thyroid diseases - such as Basedow's disease and in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

The nuclear thyroid scan: Scan this procedure involves injecting a small amount of blood in the radioiodine or similar element technetium-99. Increased capture of radioactive substances in the thyroid indicative of hyperthyroidism, but the decline is an indicator of hypothyroidism. The nuclear thyroid scan is not recommended for pregnant women.

Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland: a study to determine the size and number, as well as varieties of nodules in the thyroid gland The thyroid gland - is responsible for your hormones . In addition, ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland helps to identify the presence of increasing the parathyroid glands.

Aspiration: this method of diagnosing thyroid disease involves putting a thin needle into the thyroid and take samples of tissue (usually from nodules). Aspiration diagnostic puncture is performed in a doctor's office without special training. Tissue samples are then examined under a microscope for the diagnosis of cancer.

Axial CT scan: this method of diagnosis is usually used to determine the size and extent of the displacement of goiter caused by the growth of the thyroid gland.

Classification of thyroid disease

Thyroid disease can be subdivided into two main sub-categories, depending on spefitsiki damage. Thyroid dysfunction leading to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism: increased secretion of thyroid hormone , But the damage to the structure itself provokes thyroid nodular disease - including the appearance of goiter, nodules.

Diseases in violation of thyroid function

Decreased activity of the thyroid gland leads to hypothyroidism - a disease which is characterized by disruption of the prostate, decreased activity. There are several types of hypothyroidism, including:

• Hashimoto (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, autoimmune thyroiditis)
• Postpartum thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland after pregnancy and childbirth)
• Acute thyroiditis
• Hidden thyroiditis
• Resistance to thyroid hormone

Overactive thyroid gland, or malfunction, causing an increased production of hormones lead to hyperthyroidism. Accepted provide several varieties of hyperthyroidism:

• Graves' disease (diffuse toxic goiter)
• Multinodular toxic goiter
• Toxic goiter
• Hashitoksikoz

Signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction

At low thyroid activity there signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism - Symptoms: What should pay particular attention Which, depending on the degree of deficiency of thyroid hormones Deficiency of thyroid hormone - revealed a previously unknown reason   may vary. Among the most characteristic symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, followed by hypothyroidism include:

• Increased fatigue
• Forgetfulness
• Feeling cold
• Constipation
• Cuhost skin
• Fluid retention in the body
• Pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles
• Menorrhagia (reinforced menstruation)
• Depression

Hyperthyroidism is defined by a set of characteristic signs and symptoms. Usually in the early stages of the disease symptoms not: as a rule, than the neglect of the disease, the more noticeable symptoms. Most of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism: symptoms - how to determine what happens to you?   due to the acceleration of metabolism. The group of the most characteristic symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Increased perspiration
• Fever
• Increased urination
• Tremor
• Nervousness, agitation
• Cardiopalmus
• Fast weight loss
• Increased fatigue
• Reducing the concentration, deterioration of attention
• Menstrual irregularities

Diseases in the damaged structure of the thyroid gland

Damage to the thyroid gland may lead to a breach of its work, the formation of a toxic multinodular goiter and nodules, which, in turn, provoked hyperthyroidism. However, in most cases the damage to the structure of the thyroid gland does not relate to the violation of the body. Such injuries range from the most simple (eg, a benign cyst of the thyroid gland) to the more serious (for example, cancer of the thyroid gland). One of the most common diseases in the damaged structure of the thyroid gland - the so-called goiter, swelling of the thyroid. Goiter may be very small, virtually invisible, and large (the latter requires surgical removal of education).

Signs and symptoms of thyroid damage

Depending on the size and location of the prostate organ structure damage can lead to contraction of trachea and / or esophagus, which, in turn, make it difficult breathing and swallowing.

One of the most common problems with goitre - an aesthetic unattractiveness goiter.

If thyroid quickly grows in size (this is observed, for example, a cyst), there may be local pain.

If the damage is caused by thyroid cancer, you may experience swollen lymph nodes and other systemic symptoms (eg, weight loss, increased appetite, night sweats).