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Thyroid diseases

Thyroid diseases Endocrine glands Primary and secondary hypothyroidism Brain-thyroid link Thyroid gland   Definition: The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, just below the voice box (larynx). It produces chemicals (hormones) that help the body control metabolism. Thyroid hormone is also produced in response to another hormone released by the pituitary gland. There are four main types of thyroid disease: Hyperthyroidism -- too much thyroid hormone Hypothyroidism -- too little thyroid hormone Benign (non-cancerous) thyroid disease Thyroid cancer For information about a specific type of thyroid disease see one of the following: Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid Chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease) Colloid nodular goiter Hyperthyroidism Hypopituitarism Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism - primary Hypothyroidism - secondary Medullary thyroid carcinoma Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II Painless (silent) thyroiditis Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid Subacute thyroiditis Thyroid cancer Congenital goiter

Review Date:6/17/2008 Reviewed By:Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.