Thyroid disorders diagnosis:
To diagnose a
person his medical history is also important and physical examination, besides
it some specialized tests are needed to be performed.
Blood tests – It is done to know the levels of thyroid hormones and
TSH. Few physicians also suggest blood test to find the antibodies which are
against the thyroid tissue.
Imaging tests – This is done when thyroid nodules or enlargement are
present. Using the Ultrasound consistency of the tissue within the gland and
reveals cysts present in the gland. But in this test, we cannot distinguish a
benign and a malignant tumour.
Thyroid scans – Radioactive iodine is often used to know the
functioning of thyroid nodules. As thyroid is the only part that can take
iodine, when radioactively labelled iodine is given, thyroid gland absorbs it.
By imaging test the taken up radioactive iodine are seen, nodules which release
excess of hormones will show an increased uptake of iodine. These areas are referred
as” hot” nodules when higher hormones are found and “cold” when vice- versa.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) – Uses fine, long and thin needle to withdraw the sample
of cell from thyroid for examination and diagnosis by a pathologist.
Treatment for thyroid disorders
Thyroid disorders
can be treated by medications or by performing surgeries. Treatment depends on
the type thyroid disorder.
Thyroid medications
Medications is
given as a supplement to the missing thyroid hormones. Synthetic thyroid
hormone is given in form of pills in case of hypothyroidism. Whereas in
hyperthyroidism medication is used to decrease the hormonal release.
Thyroid surgery
Surgery is done to
remove the goitre or nodules within the glands. Usually preferred when there
are chances of thyroid cancer. When the thyroid gland is removed completely,
synthetic hormones should be taken throughout the life time.
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