Anatomy and Investigation of Thyroid Gland

Anatomy of the Thyroid Gland

• The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the anterior part of the neck.
• It is situated below the larynx and above the trachea.
• The thyroid gland is connected to the larynx by the thyroid cartilage.
• It has two lobes, left and right, connected by the isthmus.
• The thyroid gland weighs about 20-30 grams.
• It is composed of follicles, each containing colloid and thyroid epithelial cells.

Physiological Functions of the Thyroid Gland

• The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
• These hormones regulate metabolism, growth, and development.
• They are produced by the follicular cells of the thyroid gland.
• The thyroid gland also produces calcitonin, which helps to regulate calcium levels in the blood.

Investigation of the Thyroid Gland

Ultrasonography (USG)

• Ultrasonography is a non-invasive imaging technique.
• It uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the thyroid gland.
• It is useful for detecting thyroid nodules and cysts.
• It can also guide fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).

Fine-needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)

• FNAC is a minimally invasive procedure.
• It involves inserting a fine needle into the thyroid gland to collect cells.
• The collected cells are then examined under a microscope.
• It is useful for diagnosing thyroid nodules and cancer.

CT Scan

• A CT scan is a non-invasive imaging technique.
• It uses X-rays to create detailed images of the thyroid gland.
• It is useful for detecting thyroid cancer and metastasis.
• It can also guide surgical procedures.

MRI

• MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique.
• It uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the thyroid gland.
• It is useful for detecting thyroid cancer and evaluating the extent of disease.
• It can also guide surgical procedures.

PET Scan

• A PET scan is a non-invasive imaging technique.
• It uses a radioactive tracer to create detailed images of the thyroid gland.
• It is useful for detecting thyroid cancer and evaluating the extent of disease.
• It can also guide surgical procedures.

Isotope (Radioisotope) Scanning

• Isotope scanning involves injecting a radioactive tracer into the bloodstream.
• The tracer accumulates in the thyroid gland, creating images of the gland.
• It is useful for detecting thyroid nodules and cancer.
• It can also guide surgical procedures.

Pathology of the Thyroid Gland

• The thyroid gland can be affected by various pathologies, including:
  • Hyperthyroidism: an overproduction of thyroid hormones.
  • Hypothyroidism: an underproduction of thyroid hormones.
  • Thyroid nodules: abnormal growths on the thyroid gland.
  • Thyroid cancer: cancer of the thyroid gland.

Types of Thyroid Nodules

• Benign nodules: non-cancerous growths on the thyroid gland.
• Malignant nodules: cancerous growths on the thyroid gland.
• Thyroid adenoma: a non-cancerous growth on the thyroid gland.
• Thyroid carcinoma: cancer of the thyroid gland.

Clinical Features of Thyroid Nodules

• A lump or swelling in the neck.
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
• Hoarseness of voice.
• Pain or discomfort in the neck.

Investigations for Thyroid Nodules

• Ultrasonography (USG).
• Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).
• CT scan.
• MRI.
• PET scan.
• Isotope scanning.

Complications of Thyroid Nodules

• Thyroid cancer.
• Thyroiditis.
• Hyperthyroidism.
• Hypothyroidism.

Management and Treatment of Thyroid Nodules

• Observation and monitoring.
• Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).
• Surgery: removal of the thyroid gland.
• Radioactive iodine ablation.
• Thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Homoeopathic Therapeutic Medicines for Thyroid Gland

• Thyroidinum 200: useful for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
• Calcarea carbonica 200: useful for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
• Kali iodatum 200: useful for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
• Thyroidea interna 200: useful for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.