At the front of our neck lies the thyroid gland, a small but vital organ shaped like a butterfly. Though we rarely notice it in daily life, this gland acts as the body’s ‘energy manager.’ Thyroid problems are common, yet often go unnoticed. In this article, we will explore the function of the thyroid gland, the most common thyroid disorders and thyroid gland symptoms, and, most importantly, ways to detect thyroid cancer at an early stage.
What is the thyroid gland and its role in the body?
The thyroid gland produces two main hormones that regulate our metabolism: T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). These hormones affect every cell in our body, from heart rate to body temperature. The answer to the question “What is thyroid hormone?” is that they are the key to our life energy.
Proper thyroid function regulates everything from our mood to our body weight. If the thyroid produces too little or too much hormone, it can cause a significant imbalance in the body.
Thyroid Gland Disorders and Their Symptoms
Thyroid gland disorders primarily manifest in two main forms:
1. Hypothyroidism (Decreased Thyroid Function): A hormone deficiency.
- Symptoms: Persistent fatigue, lack of energy, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, hair loss, and constipation.
2. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): A condition characterized by excess hormone production.
- Symptoms: Rapid weight loss, irritability, anxiety, accelerated heartbeat (tachycardia), sensitivity to heat, and trembling.
If you experience any of these thyroid gland symptoms, it is essential to consult an endocrinologist. For patients at risk of thyroid cancer, vitamin and nutritional support is important. You can benefit from a thyroid panel check-uppackage for this purpose.
Symptoms and signs of thyroid cancer
Although thyroid cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer, early diagnosis is vital. Its main distinguishing feature is that it develops from cells of the thyroid gland other than those that produce hormones.
The signs (symptoms) of thyroid cancer are usually different from those of other thyroid problems and may include:
- Throat Swelling: A lump or swelling in the front of the neck near the thyroid gland, which can be felt by hand. This is the most common symptom.
- Voice Changes: Hoarseness or a change in the voice, which may indicate that a lump is pressing on the vocal cords.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Trouble or discomfort when swallowing food.
- Persistent Cough: A constant cough not caused by a cold or allergies.
- Neck Pain: Pain in the neck that sometimes radiates to the ears.
It should be noted that the majority of thyroid nodules are benign. However, if you notice a lump in your neck, it is important to consult a doctor promptly and check your condition with a thyroid panel test.
Thyroid analysis and hormone tests
If any thyroid cancer is suspected, the following tests are performed:
- Thyroid Hormone Test: This test (usually including markers such as TSH, free T3, free T4, ATPO, and ATQ) forms the basis of thyroid analysis. These tests determine whether the thyroid is functioning properly and help identify functional disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
- Ultrasound Examination (USG): This is the primary imaging test that evaluates the structure and size of the thyroid gland. Most importantly, it detects the presence of nodules, determines their size, and assesses their characteristics.
- Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNA): If a suspicious nodule is detected during an ultrasound, the doctor performs this simple and quick procedure. A small sample of cells is taken from the nodule using a fine needle and examined for the presence of cancerous cells. This is the most reliable method to confirm a cancer diagnosis.
If you have any concerns about your health (especially if you have symptoms of thyroid disease), it is best to consult a specialist.