Thyroid

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. This gland produces thyroid hormone, which plays a crucial role in regulating various aspects of health, including:

• The rate of metabolism, i.e., the use of fats, proteins, sugars, and starches by the body
• Body weight
• Body temperature
• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Mental alertness
• Muscle and nerve function
• Growth in children

Iodine, an element found in small quantities in many foods, is absorbed by the thyroid and used to produce thyroid hormone.

When is Surgery Needed?

Surgery of the thyroid may be necessary if the gland is:

• Overactive (hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis)
• Enlarged (hypertrophied) or nodular, producing a goitre
• Cancerous or suspected of being cancerous

Surgery to remove the entire thyroid gland is called a total thyroidectomy. Removal of half the thyroid gland is called a hemithyroidectomy.