香港甲狀腺中心

Hyperthyroidism

甲狀腺功能亢進(甲亢)
甲狀腺超聲波

Ultrasonography of Thyroid

甲狀腺超聲波

Thyroid ultrasound is a non-invasive examination. Doctors use ultrasound imaging to examine whether there are any abnormal tumors, calcifications, and other conditions within the thyroid gland. It can also check for enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, providing important information for clinical diagnosis.

$ 1,000

甲狀腺功能檢查

Thyroid Function Test

甲狀腺功能檢查

The purpose of thyroid function testing is to evaluate the thyroid levels in a patient’s body. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be diagnosed through a simple blood test. The testing can also help doctors differentiate thyroid function problems caused by different factors.

Typically, thyroid function testing includes measuring the levels of thyroid hormone T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

超聲波導引幼針穿刺

Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration

超聲波導引幼針穿刺

If a suspicious thyroid tumor is detected during an ultrasound examination, the doctor may arrange for an ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy. This procedure involves extracting a small amount of cells from the suspicious thyroid tumor for pathological analysis. It helps determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant, as well as its nature or characteristics.

$ 2,800

$1,000

$ 2,800

Thyroid

About Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland is an endocrine glands in our body that functions to produce thyroid hormones, which are essential for maintaining our body’s metabolic functions. Thyroid hormones stimulate the cells in our body to produce proteins, which directly affect the body’s metabolism as well as the functions and roles of various organs. Therefore, the secretion of thyroid hormones affects our heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, appetite, mood fluctuations, bone metabolism, menstrual cycle, energy metabolism, and muscle control, among others. Both excessive (hyperthyroidism) and insufficient (hypothyroidism) secretion of the thyroid gland can have significant effects on most organs in our body.

Hyperthyroidism, refers to the excessive secretion of thyroid hormones (T4 or T3) by the thyroid gland due to various reasons. This leads to accelerated metabolism in various organs of the body and results in different clinical symptoms.

  1. Graves’ Disease: The most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Patients develop abnormal antibodies due to autoimmune dysfunction, which attack and stimulate the TSH receptor on thyroid cells, leading to increased production and secretion of thyroid hormones.
  2. Toxic Adenoma: Abnormal growth of thyroid cells results in uncontrolled production and secretion of thyroid hormones.
  3. Toxic Multinodular Goitre: Prolonged presence of multinodular goitre can lead to hyperthyroidism.
  4. Thyroiditis: Early-stage inflammation of the thyroid causes the release of stored thyroid hormones into the bloodstream, resulting in hyperthyroidism.
  5. Drug-induced causes, such as Amiodarone, a medication for arrhythmias.
  6. Excessive intake of iodine.
  7. Other rare causes include ovarian or testicular tumors that secrete thyroid hormones, pituitary tumors, etc.

Due to excessive secretion of thyroid hormones, patients experience accelerated body metabolism, and the symptoms include:

  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Palpitations
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Increased appetite but significant weight loss
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Diarrhea
  • Tremors in the hands
  • Heat intolerance
  • Excessive sweating

Blood Tests: Thyroid Function Tests

Thyroid function tests assess the secretion of thyroid hormones in the body and can be determined through blood tests. Thyroid function tests include measuring the levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Clinical Examination

Through physical examination and clinical assessment, doctors can inquire about the patient’s medical history, family history, and related symptoms. Clinical palpation allows doctors to determine if the patient has thyroid enlargement, whether the enlargement is uniform and symmetrical, the presence of other nodules or swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and if the trachea is compressed due to thyroid enlargement. After the initial evaluation, the doctor may arrange for a thyroid ultrasound for further examination.

Thyroid Ultrasound

Thyroid ultrasound is a non-invasive examination. During the procedure, the doctor applies gel on the patient’s neck and uses an ultrasound probe to obtain real-time images of the thyroid. The doctor captures corresponding images during the examination for evaluation. Thyroid ultrasound helps the doctor assess the size of the thyroid, the size and nature of thyroid nodules, blood flow around the nodules, identify calcifications, distinguish thyroid cysts from nodules, and evaluate the presence of swollen neck lymph nodes, etc.

Thyroid storm is a potentially life-threatening condition. It occurs when a patient with uncontrolled or inadequately treated hyperthyroidism is exposed to certain triggers, such as trauma, infection, or surgery.

Symptoms of thyroid storm include high fever, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, nausea, enlarged liver, jaundice, restlessness, and tremors. Without appropriate medical intervention, complications such as mental confusion, coma, arrhythmias, or heart failure may occur, which can potentially lead to death.

In addition to thyroid storm, patients with hyperthyroidism may experience the following complications:

1. Eye complications: Prolonged eye protrusion can lead to incomplete eyelid closure, corneal damage, and even blindness.

2. Psychiatric complications: Emotional instability, nervousness, insomnia, agitation, or depression are psychiatric complications associated with hyperthyroidism.

3. Metabolic abnormalities: Hyperthyroidism can trigger metabolic disorders such as diabetes and liver dysfunction.

4. Digestive problems: Patients may experience diarrhea and indigestion.

5. Osteoporosis: Excessive thyroid hormone secretion accelerates bone resorption, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

6. Cardiac complications: Long-term tachycardia and arrhythmias associated with hyperthyroidism can lead to heart failure and other cardiac complications.

7. Infertility and miscarriage: Hyperthyroidism may increase the risk of female infertility, miscarriage, and premature birth.

It is important for patients with hyperthyroidism to receive proper treatment and management to prevent thyroid storm and minimize the risk of complications. Regular medical follow-up and adherence to prescribed medications are crucial for controlling the condition effectively.

Doctor needs to identify the underlying cause of the patient’s condition before determining the appropriate treatment.

Medical Treatment

Medication is the primary approach to treating hyperthyroidism. The doctor will prescribe anti-thyroid drugs, which work by suppressing the production and effectiveness of thyroid hormones, thus restoring normal thyroid secretion and metabolism in the patient. Close monitoring of thyroid hormone levels is necessary when starting medication, and the dosage will be adjusted until thyroid hormone levels are within the normal range. Commonly used anti-thyroid drugs include Carbimazole and Propylthiouracil.

Some patients may experience allergic reactions to the medication, such as itching or skin rashes. Other potential complications include temporary liver impairment. In such cases, the patient may need to switch to a different type of medication or explore alternative treatment options.

It’s important for patients to follow the prescribed medication regimen and have regular follow-up appointments with their doctor to monitor their condition and adjust the treatment as needed. In some cases, the use of medications may be combined with other treatment modalities, such as radioactive iodine therapy or surgery, depending on the individual’s condition and response to treatment.

請問您需要幫助嗎?Do you need help?