Thyroid diseases
Definition
The thyroid gland is located in the base of the neck on both sides of the lower part of the voice box (larynx) and upper part of the wind pipe (trachea). The thyroid produces chemicals (hormones) that help the body control metabolism. Thyroid hormone is also produced in response to another hormone secreted by the pituitary gland.
There are four main types of thyroid disease:
- Hyperthyroidism -- too much thyroid hormone
- Hypothyroidism -- too little thyroid hormone
- Benign (non-cancerous) thyroid disease
- Thyroid cancer
For information about a specific type of thyroid disease see one of the following:
Review Date:
10/25/2006
Reviewed By:
Robert Hurd, M.D., Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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