Thyroid

Thyroid Dysfunction in Pregnancy

Thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy can manifest as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, affecting both mother and fetus.
Untreated hypothyroidism may lead to miscarriage, preterm birth, and impaired fetal neurodevelopment.
Hyperthyroidism increases the risk of preeclampsia, low birth weight, and maternal heart complications.
Diagnosis requires careful monitoring of thyroid function tests, as normal pregnancy alters thyroid hormone levels.
Management involves adjusting thyroid medications to maintain optimal hormone levels for maternal and fetal health.

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Post-Surgical Hypothyroidism

Post-surgical hypothyroidism occurs when thyroid hormone levels drop following partial or total thyroid removal.
It is a common complication after thyroidectomy performed for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and slowed mental activity.
Diagnosis is confirmed with thyroid function tests showing low T4 and elevated TSH levels.
Treatment involves lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy to maintain normal metabolism and health.

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Post-Radiation Thyroiditis

Post-radiation thyroiditis occurs due to inflammation of the thyroid gland following exposure to radiation, often after cancer treatment.
It can lead to temporary hyperthyroidism as damaged thyroid cells release stored hormones.
Symptoms may include neck discomfort, palpitations, weight changes, and fatigue.
Thyroid function usually fluctuates, sometimes progressing to hypothyroidism over time.
Management involves monitoring thyroid hormone levels and providing supportive care or hormone replacement if needed.

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Drug-Induced Hypothyroidism

Drug-induced hypothyroidism occurs when certain medications reduce thyroid hormone production or interfere with its action.
Common causative drugs include amiodarone, lithium, interferon-alpha, and some antithyroid medications.
Symptoms are similar to typical hypothyroidism: fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and depression.
Diagnosis involves reviewing medication history and thyroid function tests to identify the drug responsible.
Management includes adjusting or discontinuing the offending drug and providing thyroid hormone replacement therapy if needed.

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Drug-Induced Hyperthyroidism

Drug-induced hyperthyroidism occurs when certain medications trigger excessive thyroid hormone production.
Common causative drugs include amiodarone, interferon-alpha, and excessive thyroid hormone supplements.
Symptoms resemble typical hyperthyroidism: weight loss, palpitations, anxiety, and heat intolerance.
Diagnosis involves reviewing medication history, thyroid function tests, and ruling out other causes.
Management includes stopping or adjusting the offending drug and using antithyroid therapy if needed.

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Thyroid Lymphoma

Thyroid lymphoma is a rare malignant tumor arising from lymphoid tissue within the thyroid gland.
It is more common in elderly women and often associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Patients typically present with a rapidly enlarging, painless neck mass causing pressure symptoms.
Diagnosis is made through biopsy and immunohistochemistry to distinguish it from other thyroid cancers.
Treatment mainly involves chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with surgery rarely required.

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Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma (ATC)

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a rare, aggressive, and highly malignant form of thyroid cancer.
It typically affects older adults and grows rapidly, often invading nearby tissues and structures in the neck.
Symptoms include a rapidly enlarging neck mass, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and breathing problems.
Diagnosis is confirmed through biopsy and imaging, as it progresses quickly.
Treatment involves a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, but prognosis remains poor.

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Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC)

Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a rare type of thyroid cancer originating from the parafollicular C cells.
These cells produce calcitonin, which can serve as a tumor marker for diagnosis and monitoring.
MTC may occur sporadically or as part of genetic syndromes like MEN 2A and MEN 2B.
Symptoms include a thyroid nodule, neck swelling, diarrhea, or flushing in some cases.
Treatment involves total thyroidectomy, lymph node dissection, and regular follow-up with calcitonin and CEA levels.

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Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma (FTC)

Follicular thyroid carcinoma is the second most common type of thyroid cancer, arising from follicular cells.
It usually presents as a solitary thyroid nodule and spreads through the bloodstream to bones or lungs.
FTC is more common in middle-aged women and areas with iodine deficiency.
Diagnosis requires histopathological examination after surgery, as biopsy alone may not confirm it.
Treatment includes thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine therapy and lifelong hormone replacement.

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Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid cancer, arising from follicular cells.
It typically grows slowly and has an excellent prognosis with proper treatment.
The disease often presents as a painless thyroid nodule and may spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Diagnosis is confirmed through fine-needle aspiration biopsy and imaging studies.
Treatment includes surgical removal of the thyroid and, if needed, radioactive iodine therapy.

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