Thyroid/Parathyroid Pathology

THE thyroid It is a shield-shaped endocrine gland (thyros) located at the base of the neck. Despite being a small gland, it is responsible for the majority of thyroid hormone production, which performs various functions in different areas of the body and is essential for human life, such as:

• metabolism;
• growth and maturation;
• ability to concentrate and remember;
• heart rate;
• reproduction.

According to data from the National Health Service, thyroid diseases affect more than 1 million Portuguese people. These diseases are common and diverse, making screening for them advisable for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction, that is, changes in thyroid function, is made through a blood test (TSH), possibly complemented with other measurements, namely free or total fractions and antibodies against the thyroid.

Changes in thyroid function can be:

Hypothyroidism – that is, insufficient hormone production, which will slow down the body’s functioning.

Hyperthyroidism/Thyrotoxicosis – that is, excess production of thyroid hormones (by the thyroid itself or not, hence the difference in nomenclature, respectively).

A thyroid ultrasound is performed depending on the patient's complaints, physical examination, and additional diagnostic tests. This test allows us to assess the structure and size of the gland, as well as the presence (and characteristics) of any associated nodules or cysts, and the adjacent cervical lymph node chains.

The aspiration biopsy of nodules will depend on their characteristics and size, as well as the patient's clinical and family history. The biopsy result may be inconclusive (requiring a repeat procedure whenever appropriate), cystic, benign (good), malignant (cancer), follicular tumor, or follicular lesion of undetermined significance. The latter two situations require individualized and appropriate guidance (repeat biopsy and/or surgery).

Therefore, Thyroid Pathology is characterized by changes in the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis) and/or its structure (such as goiter and nodules), and is therefore very varied and presents with various, often nonspecific, symptoms. Thyroid pathology is very common and can occur at any stage of life. It should be evaluated by Endocrinology to determine the etiology (cause) as well as the appropriate treatment.

As for the Parathyroid Pathology Parathyroid glands (named for their location—they are glands juxtaposed to the thyroid) are not as common as thyroid glands, but they are also extremely important. The parathyroids produce a hormone—parathyroid hormone—responsible for calcium metabolism. In addition to changes in their function, there may also be structural changes, requiring an endocrine evaluation.