Description

The thyroid gland consists of a right and left lobe and usually is around 6-7 cm in size and sits above the trachea (windpipe) in the front of the neck. It produces the hormone thyroxine which is responsilble for controlling the body's metabolic rate. In other words, it keeps the many processes of the body working to the correct level.

However, if the thyroid produces too much thyroxine, then the body becomes over active and this places a strain on several other organs including the heart and circulation. This condition is called hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis.

Alternatively, if the thyroid produces too little thyroxine, then the body becomes underactive and starts to fail. This condition is called hypothyroidism or myxoedema.

If the thyroid swells, it can compress on the windpipe or produce an unsightly swelling of the neck, sometimes called a goitre. In this case, a thyroidectomy operation is done to partially or completely remove the thyroid. To compensate for the lower thyroxine or the complete lack of thyroine that will therefore be produced after surgery, the patient is given thyroxine tablets for the rest of their life.

This operation is done under general anaesthesia. An incision is made across the front of the neck, usually in the skin folds to produce the best cosmetic effect after surgery. The relevant portion or lobe, or the whole gland is isolated and removed, avoiding several very important structures in the neck such as the parathyroid glands (which control the bodies calcium levels) and nerves such as the one that controls the voice box or larynx. The wound is then stitched and covered by a dressing.

Symptoms of an over-active thyroid gland include;

• increased appetite

• weight loss

• lethargy and tiredness

• insomnia or an inability to sleep well

• more frequent bowel movements with or without diarrhoea

• reduced or infrequent periods in women

• irritability

• emotional changes

• intolerance of hot weather

• sweating

• itching

• a fast pulse or palpitations in the chest

• tremor

• shortness of breath and chest pain, especially in elderly patients.

• nothing

• weight gain

• constipation

• intolerance to cold weather and temperatures

• heavy or more frequent periods in women

• hoarse voice

• lack of energy

• depression and emotional problems

• stress and anxiety problems

• dry skin and hair

• a slow pulse

• swelling of some soft tissues such as around the eyes, hands or feet

• dementia especially in the elderly.

Symptoms of an under-active thyroid include;