Learn about thyroid nodules

An Overview of the Thyroid

Thyroid Essentials

Hyperthyroidism: Overactivity of the Thyroid Gland

There are several causes of hyperthyroidism. Most often, the entire gland is overproducing thyroid hormone. This is called Graves' disease. Less commonly, a single nodule is responsible for the excess hormone secretion.

Thyroid Nodules

Basic Facts about Thyroid Nodules

Fine Needle Biopsy of Thyroid Nodules

This page is written assuming you have read the introductory page on thyroid nodules first. If you have not, please do so because it will make this page easier to understand.

Thyroid Gland Function

Some information on this page is a little more advanced. If you have trouble understanding the process of normal thyroid function, please go to our page describing this process first.

Thyroid Cancer

There are about 37,000 new cases of thyroid cancer each year in the US, according to the National Cancer Institute. Females are more likely to have thyroid cancer at a ratio of three to one. Thyroid cancer can occur in any age group, although it is most common after age 30, and its aggressiveness increases significantly in older patients.