Thyroid Definitions

Refers to a normal functioning thyroid gland.

Euthyroid

Occurs as a solitary mass within the thyroid gland.

Follicular Carcinoma

Any enlargement of the thyroid, focal or diffuse, regardless of cause.

Goiter

Autoimmune disorder characterized by a diffuse toxic goiter, exopthalmos, and cutaneous manifestations.

Grave's Disease

Chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland caused by the formation of antibodies against normal thyroid tissue.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Disorder associated with elevated serum calcium level, usually caused by a benign parathyroid adenoma.

Hyperparathyroidism

Overactive thyroid gland.

Hyperthyroidism

Underactive thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism

Small piece of thyroid tissue that connects the lower lobes of the gland.

Isthmus

Any disorder characterized by enlargement of the lymoh nodes or lymph vessels.

Lymphadenopathy

Nodular enlargement of the thyroid associated with hyperthyroidism.

Multinodular Goiter

Degenerative nodules within the thyroid.

Nodular Hyperplasia

Most common form of thyroid malignancy.

Papillary Carcinoma

Tumor of glandular tissue; benign thyroid neoplasm characterized by complete encapsulation.

Adenoma

Rare, undifferentiated carcinoma occurring in middle age.

Anaplastic Carcinoma

Remnant of embryonic development that appears as a cyst in the neck.

Brachial Cleft Cyst

A thyroid hormone that is important for maintaining a dense, strong bone matrix and regulating the blood calcium level.

Calcitonin

Wedge shaped muscle posterior to the thyroid lobes.

Longus Colli Muscle

Neoplastic growth that accounts for 10% of thyroid malignancies.

Medullary Carcinoma

Hormone that is secreted by parathyroid glands, which regulats serum calcium levels.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Enlargement of multiple parathyroid glands.

Parathyroid Hyperplasia

Oversecretion of parathyroid hormone, usually from a parathyroid adenoma.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Lobe of thyroid gland that is present in a small percentage of patients; extends superiorly from the isthmus.

Pyramidal Lobe

Enlargement of the parathyroid glands in patients with renal failure or vitamin D deficiency.

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Lab value that is elevated with hyperparathyroidism.

Serum Calcium

Large muscles anterolateral to the thyroid.

Sternocleidomastoid Muscles

Groups of 3 muscles (sternothyroid, sternohyoid, & omohyoid) that lie anterior to the thyroid.

Strap Muscles

Inflammatory condition of the thyroid, sometimes occurring after a viral respiratory infection.

Subacute (de Quervain's) Thyroiditis

Congenital anomaly that presents in the midline of the neck anterior to the trachea.

Thyroglossal Duct Cysts

Hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroxine & triiodothyronine.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormome (TSH)