Hyperthyroidism
Medical Author:
Stephanie L Lee, MD, PhD, FACE
Coauthor:
Sonia Ananthakrishnan, MD
Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Thyroidectomy (Thyroid Surgery) DefinitionThyroidectomy: The surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. Subtotal thyroidectomy, the more commonly performed operation, involves removal of only a part of the gland. This procedure may be done to:
The goal in the case of hyperthyroidism is to leave just enough thyroid tissue to make a normal amount of thyroid hormone. If too much thyroid is removed, the patient will produce too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) and need treatment to return the thyroid status to normal (euthyroid) status. The possible complications of thyroid surgery include vocal cord paralysis and accidental removal of the parathyroid glands (located behind the thyroid gland), resulting in low calcium levels (the parathyroid glands regulate calcium). Subtotal thyroidectomy is appropriate in some people with hyperthyroidism, especially those with a large goiter, and it may also be indicated in cases with a coexistent thyroid nodule whose nature is unclear. The patient is treated with an antithyroid drug until euthyroidism has been achieved and inorganic iodide is also usually administered for seven days before surgery to "cool down" the overactive thyroid gland. In surgical centers with the most experience, hyperthyroidism is cured in more than 98% of cases with low rates of complications. Surgery is more costly than nonsurgical therapy of hyperthyroidism (with an antithyroid drug or radioactive iodine). SOURCE: Hyperthyroidism OverviewHyperthyroidism refers to any condition in which there is too much thyroid hormone in the body. It is sometimes referred to as overactive thyroid. Excess thyroid hormone levels can increase metabolism (how energy is used), and increase the risk of other health issues such as heart disease, bone loss, and problems during pregnancy. Hyperthyroidism CausesCommon causes of hyperthyroidism in adults include:
Viewer Comments & ReviewsHyperthyroidism - Symptoms ExperiencedThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:For hyperthyroidism, what were the symptoms and signs you experienced? Hyperthyroidism - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What was the treatment for your hyperthyroidism? |
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Hyperthyroidism
Thyroid Storm Overview
Located at the front part of the neck, the thyroid gland is responsible for making substances (thyroid hormones) essential for all body cells to work properly.
In certain conditions, the thyroid becomes over-active and produces too much thyroid hormone in the body, a state called hyperthyroidism. People with hyperthyroidism have problems from over-activity of several organs, resulting in symptoms such as sweating, feeling hot, rapid heartbeats, weight loss, and sometimes eye problems. When thyroid hormone levels become very high, the symptoms worsen and can result in a serious condition called thyroid storm or thyrotoxic crisis. One major sign of thyroid storm that differentiates it from oridnary hyperthyroidism is a marked elevation of body temperature, which may be as high as 105-106 F (40.5-41.1 C). Thyroid storm is unusual, but is a life-threatening emergency when it does occur. People experiencing symptoms of thyroid storm should...
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Hyperthyroidism »
Thyrotoxicosis is the hypermetabolic condition associated with elevated levels of free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), or both.
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