10.1055/b-0038-162784 7.9 Embryology, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Parathyroid Glands There are four parathyroid glands (in two pairs), usually close to the upper and lower poles of the thyroid lobe….
10.1055/b-0038-162783 7.8 Thyroid Cancer Key Features Well-differentiated tumors (papillary and follicular) are highly treatable. Undifferentiated tumors (medullary or anaplastic) are aggressive and have a poorer prognosis. Thyroid cancer affects women…
10.1055/b-0038-162782 7.7 Thyroiditis Key Features Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. Hashimoto′s thyroiditis (chronic autoimmune thyroiditis) is the most common type. Other forms include postpartum thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis…
10.1055/b-0038-162776 7.1 Physiology of the Thyroid Gland Key Features The functional unit of the thyroid gland is the follicle ( Fig. 7.2 ). Thyroid follicles are composed of a single…
10.1055/b-0038-162781 7.6 Thyroid Storm Key Features Thyroid storm is a rare and potentially fatal complication of hyperthyroidism. Approximately 1 to 2% of patients with hyperthyroidism progress to thyroid storm. It…
10.1055/b-0038-162780 7.5 Hypothyroidism Key Features Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder resulting from deficiency of thyroid hormone. In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland produces insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. In…
10.1055/b-0038-162779 7.4 Hyperthyroidism Key Features Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic condition associated with elevated levels of free T4, free T3, or both. The incidence of hyperthyroidism is between 0.05 and 1.3%,…
10.1055/b-0038-162778 7.3 Thyroid Nodules and Cysts Key Features A thyroid nodule is a discrete lesion within the thyroid gland that is radiologically distinct from the surrounding thyroid parenchyma. Nodular disease…
10.1055/b-0038-162777 7.2 Thyroid Evaluation Key Features Thyroid function tests are common procedures performed to determine how well the thyroid is functioning. Evaluation may include blood tests and imaging (ultrasound), nuclear…
10.1055/b-0038-162775 7.0 Embryology and Anatomy of the Thyroid Gland Key Features The thyroid is an H-shaped vascular gland located in the anterior lower neck just below the larynx. Its function…
