The causes of thyroid nodules
The thyroid gland consists of two lobes that resemble the wings of a butterfly. The thyroid is capable of absorb iodine from the foods you eat. It is the only gland in your body that can do this. Your thyroid takes iodine and uses it to produce two major hormones, triiodothyronine also known as known as T3 and thyroxine T4. These are the hormones that regulate the rate that your body uses carbohydrates and lipids or fats. The thyroid also helps to control body temperature, heart rate, and the creation of proteins. Calcitonin, another hormone produced thyroid is a hormone that regulates level of calcium in the blood.
Although we have no definite knowledge of the cause of most of the nodules and its beginning, has been found that there is some factor associated with startup. The list includes:
Low-iodine in the diet
Hashimoto's disease 's, associated with hypothyroidism
genetic defects in the receptors responsible for the release of TSH or thyrotropin
"Radiation treatments to be performed at an early age and in the chapel child's head or neck
Several types of nodules
There are different types of lumps that can develop in the thyroid gland:
Colloid nodule - The type of nodule is cancerous or benign. It presents as an overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue. You can have a colloid nodule or many. Although it is possible that these nodules become larger in size, do not spread to other parts of the body and are found only in the gland thyroid.
Follicular adenoma - This type of nodule is not cancer or even benign.
thyroid cyst - These may be benign or malignant depending. These are fluid-filled spaces of the thyroid glands can vary in size. They can measure from less than 1 / 3 inch diameter more than 1 inch. Thyroid cysts are usually filled with fluid. Some cysts are solid thyroid components. These are called complex cysts. fluid-filled cysts are usually benign. Complex cysts can sometimes be malignant.
Inflammatory node - This node type can be a sometimes develop as a result of chronic inflammation of the thyroid. This condition is called thyroiditis. A rare form of subacute thyroiditis called thyroiditis, which accompanied by intense pain in the thyroid gland. There are other types of thyroiditis that are painless and sometimes occur after pregnancy. This is called postpartum thyroiditis.
Thyroid cancer - There are only a small chance that the nodules are cancerous, if a doctor determines that you have one. If you have a family history of thyroid cancer or any type of endocrine cancer, which have a higher risk. Also, if you are a man 30 years younger of age or older than 60 years of age, with a history of head or neck radiation, which would also be threatened. cancerous nodules in general, large firm to the touch and often causing discomfort and / or neck pain.
multinodular goiter - "Goiter" refers to the expansion in the thyroid gland. The appearance of several nodules can lead to goiter. This is called a multinodular goiter. This condition causes tightness in the throat accompanied Difficulty swallowing and breathing.
Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule (toxic adenoma, toxic multinodular goiter, the disease Plummer) - TSH is released by the pituitary gland, which regulates the production of thyroid hormones. Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules that are larger and in fact thyroid hormones separate the influence of TSH or thyrotropin. Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules create a situation where there are high levels accompanied by low thyroxine or nonexistent levels of TSH. A genetic defect of the TSH receptor may be one reason for the hyperactivity of the nodules.
Risk factors
Thyroid nodules are common. In fact, up to 50% of people can have one. The exact cause of thyroid nodules is still unknown although there are some factors that appear to increase the risk of having one. This includes:
Heritage - Family history and the existence of nodules in parents or siblings tends to put an individual at greater risk of developing nodules.
Age - The likelihood of developing thyroid nodules grow with increasing age. Changes may occur in your thyroid, as part of the aging process.
Gender - Statistically, Women are more likely to develop thyroid nodules compared with men.
Exposure to radiation - In the 1940s and 50s, many people were often treated with radiation to the conditions that were cancerous, such as acne or enlarged tonsils. If you as a child, the experience of this type of treatment or undergone any therapy that employ the use of radiation in the neck or head to the conditions set above, then you have a higher risk of developing thyroid nodules. Also at risk would be higher if you were exposed to radioactive particles which became the air during atomic weapons tests or if you were exposed to radiation as a result of a nuclear plant accident.
The specific conditions of the thyroid - If you have was thyroiditis or chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland, this could also put at greater risk.
What are the complications?
In general, href = "http://www.healthclients.com/Health-Articles/Thyroid-Nodules-Treatments.html" title = "Thyroid nodule Treatments> Thyroid nodules are not cancerous or benign, but sometimes can lead to serious problems. Larger nodules or a number of nodules that appear together can result in multinodular goiter. This condition can interfere with swallowing or breathing. In can be further a serious problem if these nodules or goiter produces thyroid hormone, which can lead to hyperthyroidism.
Along with a variety of symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, muscle fatigue, heat intolerance, and a lot of anxiety, hyperthyroidism can lead to other complications:
Related complications heart - This type of complication include a rapid heartbeat, heart rhythm disorder and even congestive heart failure. Failure Congestive heart failure is the condition of the heart that is no longer strong enough to circulate blood throughout the body.
Osteoporosis - This is when the bones become weak and brittle due to lack of calcium. The overall health of the bones depends to some extent on the amount of calcium and minerals found in them. An excess of thyroid hormone or hyperthyroidism, can disrupt the incorporation of calcium in bones. In the situation where a patient develops hyperthyroidism bones are the first to show signs or symptoms of disease first. This is the case of postmenopausal women who are in the group of individuals with a high risk of developing osteoporosis.
Thyrotoxic crisis - This is the term used to describe the sudden and potentially hazardous enhance the life of the above signs and symptoms. This requires immediate medical attention if it occurs.
About the Author
Bond Mejeh produces health related articles for HealthClients.com, a natural health product review site. HealthClients.com not only provides thyroid supplement reviews, but also contains a wealth of articles that focus on natural health remedies and management options for various medical conditions using natural methods.
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