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Thyroid Diseases
Definition
The thyroid gland is located in the base of the neck on both sides of the lower part of the larynx and upper part of the trachea. The gland produces thyroid hormone in response to stimulation by a hormone from the pituitary gland. Thyroid hormone acts throughout the body to regulate the metabolism of the cells.
Thyroid diseases can be broadly divided into the following categories:
- Overproduction of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism)
- Underproduction of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism)
- Benign (noncancerous) thyroid disease
- Thyroid cancer
For information about a specific type of thyroid disease see one of the following:
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Review Date : 1/7/2003
Reviewed By : Todd T. Brown, M.D., Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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