What is your Thyroid?
The thyroid is a small gland in the front of your neck, just below your voicebox (larynx), with your windpipe above it. It is shaped like a butterfly and it is made up of 2 lobes (left and right). These lobes are connected by a thin piece of thyroid tissue which is called the isthmus. On either side of the thyroid gland, and under the chin are some lymph nodes, these nodes are carefully joined together by fine tubes called lymph vessels.
The thyroid gland is positioned close to the parathyroid glands. Although they have similar names, they do different jobs.
What does your thyroid gland do?
The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system. This system makes the hormones that help to control the way the body functions. The thyroid gland makes the following hormones:
- thyroxine (T4)
- triiodothyronine(T3)
Thyroid hormones T3 and T4
The thyroid gland needs a regular supply of iodine to produce thyroid hormones. We get iodine from our diet. It is mainly found in fish, seafood and dairy products. Some types of salt also contain iodine, but they are not commonly used in the UK. These hormones keep the body functioning at the right pace.
Thyroid cancer is not a common cancer, however incidents of it is on the increase. Around 3,500 people in the UK are diagnosed with thyroid cancer each year. Thyroid cancer can happen at any age and is much more common in women.
Types of thyroid cancer
There are different types of thyroid cancer. The most common types are papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. These types of thyroid cancer together are called differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).
Palillary - This is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It is usually slow-growing. Papillary thyroid cancer can affect anyone. It is more common in younger people and women.
Follicular - This is a less common type of thyroid cancer and tends to be mostly found in middle-aged people.
Other types of thyroid cancer
Medullary - Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare type of thyroid cancer which can sometimes run in families.
Anaplastic - Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a very rare type of thyroid cancer which is very fast-growing.
*TWO VERY IMPORTANT FACTS TO REMEMBER*
- You will have lifelong follow up and regular blood tests to review your thyroid levels.
- Your scar after surgery will improve overtime and is usually in the natural folds of your neck camougflage makeup can be used to help in the early stages speak to your nurse if any concerns.
