Thyroid Antibodies: From 1 Different Sources
autoantibodies directed against the cells of the thyroid gland, which serve as a marker of autoimmune thyroid disease. There are two main types: antibodies directed against the thyroid peroxidise (TPO) enzyme; and anti-thyroglobulin, directed against the thyroid colloid (see thyroid gland). The highest level of thyroid antibodies is found in *Hashimoto’s disease.
A rare disease that accounts for around 1 per cent of all cancers, cancer of the THYROID GLAND usually presents as an isolated hard nodule in the neck. The rate at which the nodule grows depends upon the patient’s age and type of cancer cell. Pain is not usually a feature, but the increasing size may result in the tumour pressing on vital structures in the neck – for example, the nerves controlling the LARYNX (resulting in hoarseness) and the PHARYNX (causing di?culty in swallowing). If more than one nodule is present, they are likely to be benign, not malignant. Treatment is by surgical removal after which the patient will need to take THYROXINE for the rest of his or her life. Radioactive iodine is usually given after surgery to destroy any residual cancerous cells. If treated early, the outlook is good.... thyroid cancer
The largest cartilage in the LARYNX and forms the prominence of the Adam’s apple in front of the neck.... thyroid cartilage
An arti?cially prepared antibody (see ANTIBODIES) obtained from cell clones – a genetically identical group of cells – and comprising a single type of immunoglobulin. It neutralises only one speci?c ANTIGEN. The antibodies are prepared by linking antibody-forming lymphocytes (see LYMPHOCYTE) from the spleen of mice with myeloma cells from mice. Monoclonal antibodies are used in the development of new vaccines and in the study of human cells, hormones, and micro-organisms. Research is under way for their use in the treatment of some forms of cancer. (See IMMUNOLOGY.)... monoclonal antibodies
... thyroid gland, diseases of
A group of blood tests used to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland and to detect or confirm any thyroid disorder. The thyroid hormones T3 and T4 are measured, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), the pituitary gland hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland.... thyroid-function tests
Techniques, such as radionuclide scanning and ultrasound scanning, that are used to provide information about the location, anatomy, and function of the thyroid gland.... thyroid scanning
autoantibodies that are directed against phospholipid-binding plasma proteins found in *antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, which is characterized by venous and arterial thrombosis and recurrent miscarriages.... anticardiolipin antibodies
see islet cell antibodies.... gad antibodies
a group of autoantibodies directed against components of the insulin-secreting beta cells of the pancreas. They are usually detectable in the blood of people presenting with type 1 diabetes. Antibodies against *glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) in the beta cells have become a more specific test for islet cell antibodies, to help confirm a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.... islet cell antibodies
a rarely seen but well-documented alteration in the shape of the nails resembling *clubbing but unique to Graves’ disease (see thyrotoxicosis). It is often associated with formation of new bone seen on X-rays of the hands and wrists, which is said to resemble bubbles along the surface of the bones.... thyroid acropachy
(thyroid storm) a life-threatening condition due to an acute and severe exacerbation of previously undiagnosed or inadequately treated *thyrotoxicosis. It often follows infections, childbirth, nonthyroid surgery, or trauma but can occur without an obvious cause. The presenting features are a fever, severe agitation, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pains. An accelerated heart rate and irregularity of the heart rhythm can cause heart failure, and psychotic episodes or coma can result. Blood tests will reveal hyperthyroidism and may also show altered liver function, high blood sugar, high calcium levels, a high white blood cell count, and often anaemia. Treatment is with intravenous fluids, oxygen, antithyroid drugs (such as *carbimazole or *propylthiouracil), high-dose iodide solution (see Lugol’s solution), high-dose steroids, and beta blockers. The patient must be cooled and given antipyretics, such as paracetamol. Any underlying cause must also be treated.... thyroid crisis
an iodine-containing substance, synthesized and secreted by the thyroid gland, that is essential for normal metabolic processes and mental and physical development. There are two thyroid hormones, *triiodothyronine and *thyroxine, which are formed from *thyroglobulin. Lack of these hormones gives rise to *cretinism in infants and *myxoedema in adults. Excessive production of thyroid hormones gives rise to *thyrotoxicosis.... thyroid hormone
(TSH, thyrotrophin) a hormone, synthesized and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland under the control of *thyrotrophin-releasing hormone, that stimulates activity of the thyroid gland. Raised levels of TSH are found in primary *hypothyroidism. Normal or low TSH levels in the presence of a low serum thyroxine are found in secondary hypothyroidism and the *euthyroid sick syndrome.... thyroid-stimulating hormone
see thyroid crisis.... thyroid storm
autoantibodies targeted against the *thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor of the thyroid cells. They can activate the TSH receptor, leading to the hyperthyroidism of *Graves’ disease, or they can block the TSH receptor, causing *hypothyroidism.... tsh receptor antibodies
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