Question

Explain the diseases occurring in:

Thyroid

Answer 1

The thyroid gland may develop diseases because of the hypersecretion or hyposecretion of thyroxine. The important diseases are as follows:

1. Graves’ disease or exophthalmic goitre: This disease is caused by the hypersecretion of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland becomes enlarged, and the eyes protrude or bulge out. It occurs more commonly in females.
2. Cretinism: This disease is caused by the hyposecretion of thyroxine during childhood. It leads to stunted growth or dwarfism, abnormal body development, protruding tongue and delayed sexual development. Mental development is also affected.
3. Myxoedema: This disease occurs in adults because of the hyposecretion of thyroid hormones. The patient develops a puffy appearance because of the accumulation of fat, and swelling may occur in the face, hands and legs. It is more common in women.
4. Iodine-deficiency goitre: Iodine is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. A deficiency of iodine causes enlargement of the thyroid gland, producing a swelling in the neck called goitre. It is common in hilly areas and may lead to cretinism in children or myxoedema in adults.
5. Hashimoto’s disease: When the secretion of thyroid hormones becomes very low, the body may produce antibodies that destroy the thyroid gland. This condition is called autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s disease.