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At a medical conference in Leipzig, Germany in 2007, the members of the Thyroid Federation International decided to create a “World Thyroid Day”. This initiative was adopted by all international medical organizations dealing with the thyroid.

It is a day dedicated to the millions of patients with thyroid diseases, which is an opportunity to inform ourselves about both the value of the gland for the smooth functioning of the human body and the wide range of its diseases.

What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck and is one of the most important endocrine glands in our body. Its name is due to its shield-like shape and comes from the Greek word “thyreos”. It produces the hormones thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and calcitonin (CT) that affect every cell, tissue and organ of the body, regulating both the body’s metabolism – that is, the rate at which the body produces energy from nutrients and oxygen – and bodily functions, such as heart rate, body temperature and level of physical activity. Furthermore, in infancy and childhood, the secretion of thyroid hormones is essential for the smooth physical and mental maturation of the child.

How common are thyroid diseases?

Almost all of us know someone who has thyroid disease. According to research in recent years in Greece, there is an increase in thyroid diseases. In fact, over the past 40 years, the annual incidence of thyroid cancer has tripled, with a significant increase in the diagnosis of microcarcinomas. According to the American Thyroid Association, 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease and over 12% of the US population will develop some form of thyroid disease during their lifetime. Surprisingly, up to 60% of these patients will not learn about their disease, while women are 5-8 times more likely to develop thyroid pathology than men.

What are thyroid diseases?

They are divided into functional and morphological, depending on whether the problem is located in the function of the gland or in its structure.

The most common diseases of the gland are:

Hypothyroidism, i.e. the insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the gland resulting in weight gain, lethargy, constipation, feeling of fatigue, intolerance to cold, depression, memory impairment, menstrual cycle disorders, dry skin, hair loss. Treatment consists of administering a synthetic form of thyroid hormone (levothyroxine). The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s autonomous thyroiditis, which occurs mainly in women. The diagnosis is made by the presence of positive autoantibodies (antiTg, antiTPO), imaging findings of goiter and low levels of thyroid hormones.

Hyperthyroidism, i.e. hyperfunction of the gland resulting in excessive production of thyroid hormones and the appearance of symptoms such as nervousness, weight loss, insomnia, tachycardia, diarrheal syndrome, tremor of the limbs, heat intolerance, visual disturbances. It may be due to a single nodule that is hyperfunctioning (toxic adenoma) or the presence of autoantibodies (Graves’ disease). Treatment may be pharmaceutical, surgical or administration of radioactive iodine.

Nodular goiter, i.e. the increased size of the gland and the presence of nodular formations, which can be treated conservatively with simple monitoring or surgically if the patient shows symptoms such as signs of obstruction (difficulty swallowing or breathing), voice alteration, pain when swallowing.

Thyroid cancer gland constitutes a small percentage (~ 1%) of all human cancers. It can occur at any age, but most cases of the disease occur in people over 40 years of age, with women being affected 2 – 3 times more often than men. In most cases it is curable as early and accurate diagnosis, proper treatment (with total thyroidectomy and possible administration of radioactive iodine) and regular monitoring can in most cases ensure a healthy future for patients with thyroid cancer.

The main tests for the Thyroid:

• Thyroid hormones (FT4, T3, CT) together with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which is secreted by the pituitary gland and controls the function of the thyroid gland.
• Antibodies (antiTg, antiTPO, TSI).
• Ultrasound to check the anatomy of the thyroid gland (size, location, presence of nodules, presence of any suspicious lymph nodes).
• Scintigraphy.
• Cytological examination through nodule puncture.
• Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in cases of large submersible nodular goiter, suspected medullary thyroid cancer.

The risk of developing thyroid problems during pregnancy increases because the thyroid gland produces up to 50 percent more hormone during pregnancy. This increases the risk of developing hypothyroidism during pregnancy. This year’s World Thyroid Day highlights the need for adequate iodine intake during pregnancy – possibly with supplements where necessary. Women at high risk for thyroid disease are advised to be screened early in their pregnancy.

Today, medicine has more tools than ever before, offering targeted medical interventions to patients with thyroid diseases. The Medical Center’s staff includes experienced Endocrinologists who, with the support of the other specialties involved (laboratories, diagnostic ultrasound cytologists, surgeons), provide the care required for the timely prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases.