Specialists in Thyroid Diagnostics
10 Specialists found
Information About the Field of Thyroid Diagnostics
What Are Thyroid Diagnostics
A healthy thyroid gland is essential for the optimal functioning of the entire body. For example, thyroid hormones affect many of the body's metabolic processes. Diseases of the thyroid gland are relatively widespread and often occur in childhood and adolescence. If thyroid disease is suspected, specific thyroid examinations are carried out.
Indications for Thyroid Examination
An examination of the thyroid gland is particularly indicated in the case of:
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland
- Palpable nodules in the thyroid gland
- Protruding eyes
- Suspicion of hypothyroidism
- Suspicion of hyperthyroidism
- Desire to have children
The symptoms of hypothyroidism are a constant feeling of cold, fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss.
On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is usually manifested by hot flashes, restlessness, weight loss, and hair loss.
Which Thyroid Examinations Can Be Carried Out?
In addition to a detailed medical history with palpation, thyroid diagnostics include:
- A laboratory examination of the blood
- An ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland
- Thyroid scintigraphy
The medical history includes, among other things, inquiries about family history of thyroid and autoimmune diseases and the symptoms experienced by the patient. Factors such as stress may also play a role and should be considered. Palpation involves external palpation of the thyroid gland to detect significant changes.
Thyroid Examination With the Help of Blood Test Results
Standard laboratory diagnostics include the levels of TRH, TSH, free T3, and free T4. Furthermore, the determination of the levels of zinc, iron, iodine, selenium, etc., is also interesting for further classification.
Thyroid Examination Scintigraphy
Thyroid scintigraphy is an imaging procedure in which radioactively labeled iodine is used. This procedure is primarily used to rule out thyroid cancer.
Sources:
Grünwald, F. et al.: Diagnostik und Therapie von Schilddrüsenerkrankungen: Ein Leitfaden für Klinik und Praxis. Köln: Lehmanns, 2016
Horn, A. et. al.: Schilddrüse konkret: Diagnostik und Therapie von Schilddrüsenkrankheiten. Stuttgart: Thieme, 1999