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The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland located in the midline base of the neck. It constantly releases a certain amount of hormones into the blood that control the body metabolism. Blood tests can measure the levels of TSH, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). Thyroid gland requires dietary iodine (such as iodised salt) to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones. These hormones play a vital role in bodily function such as – Weight loss/gain, Hunger, Digestion, Skin & Hair changes, Sleep cycle, Mood, Mentrual cycle, Reproductive & Sexual functions, Vision etc.
An enlarged thyroid – also called Goiter – can due to an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), certain drugs, infections or cancer. This requires detailed examination and investigations including hormone tests, fine needle aspiration cytology, and ultrasonography of the thyroid, thyroid scans or a CT/MRI scan. The treatment henceforth depends on how large the thyroid has grown, symptoms and what caused it. Though majority cases can be treated conservatively by medicines, a certain category would require surgical intervention.