Endocrinology Overview

The Link Between Diabetes, Pesticides and PCBs

New research presented last week at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Stockholm adds weight to the growing body of evidence linking endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with diabetes.

Ectopic thyroid cancer is rare, but not beyond the realm of possibility

In infrequent cases, clumps of thyroid cells can develop from birth in bodily sites other than the gland itself. Called ectopic thyroid, this tissue is subject to cancer just like any other organ, leading in rare instances to ectopic thyroid cancer (ETC).

Osteoporosis drug may double as pain reliever for metastasized prostate cancer

While bisphosphonates are currently prescribed as a treatment for osteoporosis, one variety of the medication may soon be repurposed as a pain reliever for prostate cancer patients with bone metastases.

Too little blood-borne adiponectin may boost risk of thyroid cancer

Research conducted by a team of Greek and American endocrinologists has revealed that too little of the metabolic protein adiponectin in the blood may increase the likelihood of thyroid cancer, while higher levels may entail a lower-than-average risk of the disease.

Fine-needle biopsy can accurately diagnose thyroid cancer in large nodules

Having a large thyroid nodule does not necessarily indicate the presence of thyroid cancer, but physicians often recommend the use of an ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in order to determine whether such a growth is benign or malignant.

CSI: NY actor opens up about the personal, financial costs of thyroid cancer

After discovering he had thyroid cancer, actor Hill Harper decided to record his thoughts and frustrations about health, finances and family in a new book, titled The Wealth Cure.

Nerve-locating technique results in fewer cases of hypoparathyroidism, vocal paralysis

A small percentage of patients who receive thyroidectomies experience hoarseness, hypoparathyroidism or even vocal paralysis due to a damaged nerve. Now, a team of Turkish researchers has determined which of two nerve-locating techniques has a lower complication rate.

Article reviews rare cardiac metastases of thyroid cancer

Even among the most virulent types of metastatic thyroid cancer, the carcinoma is very unlikely to migrate to the heart, which is why a team of Australian researchers recently compiled a list of all cardiac metastases of thyroid tumors (CMTTs) recorded in the last 130 years.

Case study examines spread of papillary thyroid cancer to bones

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is generally considered the most benign of all thyroid carcinomas, with a low risk of metastasis, which is one reason why a researcher from Georgetown University published a case study of a patient whose PTC was found to have spread to many skeletal sites in her body.

Hypothyroidism is linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease, death

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and researchers from Ohio's Cleveland Clinic have announced that people with hypothyroidism - even the moderate subclinical variety - may have a higher risk of CHD and of death in general.

Doctors update guidelines for detecting, treating hypothyroidism during pregnancy

A team of researchers associated with the American Thyroid Association (ATA) recently released a list of updated guidelines for the detection and treatment of the thyroid disease in expectant mothers.

Rifle shooting ace qualifies for Olympics after recovering from thyroid cancer

Age, tumor size affect metastasis, prognosis for patients with follicular thyroid cancer

Though it is not the most virulent form of thyroid carcinoma, follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) is more likely than the papillary variety to spread to distant sites in the body, which is one reason why Japanese researchers recently analyzed the factors affecting the metastasis of FTC.

Phthalates, BPA may alter the body's thyroid hormone levels

Researchers have announced that exposure to phthalates or bisphenol A (BPA), which are common industrial chemicals, may alter thyroid hormone levels and potentially aggravate or even lead to thyroid disease.

Reoperation for persistent papillary thyroid cancer is relatively effective

Though it is a fairly non-aggressive form of the disease, papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) occasionally reappears in the lymph nodes of the neck following a thyroidectomy, which is why a team of Korean researchers recently assessed the viability of reoperating for persistent PTC.