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Thyroid diseases Health Article

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Table of Contents
Definition
Reviewer Info: Reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 06/24/2009

Definition

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, just below the voice box (larynx). It produces chemicals (hormones) that help the body control metabolism. Thyroid hormone is also produced in response to another hormone released by the pituitary gland.

There are four main types of thyroid disease:

  • Hyperthyroidism -- too much thyroid hormone
  • Hypothyroidism -- too little thyroid hormone
  • Benign (non-cancerous) thyroid disease
  • Thyroid cancer

For information about a specific type of thyroid disease, see one of the following:
Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands 		Primary and secondary hypothyroidism
Primary and seconda... 		Thyroid gland
Thyroid gland
Brain-thyroid link
Brain-thyroid link

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