An uncontrolled increase in the secretion of hormones from the thyroid gland, known as hyperthyroidism, causes weight loss (despite an increase in appetite) in young patients and palpitations, trembling hands, sweating, heat intolerance, nervousness, irregular menstrual patterns, hair loss and diarrhea in older patients. The more commonly seen hypothyroidism, which is the insufficient secretion of hormones, causes swelling of the face and body, water retention, weight gain, constipation, irregular menstrual patterns, hair loss, dry skin, cold intolerance, a decrease in physical activity, and in the later stages, a decrease in mental activity.

The addition of iodine to our table salt has been a major step in protecting future generations from developing goiter. However, as in all countries where this is implemented (Argentina, Sweden), the risk of developing inflammation of the thyroid (also known as thyroiditis) and a special form of this called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis ,which can also lead to thyroid cancer, increases 4-5 fold. For this reason, it is better to give babies and children in the developing stages iodized salt and it is better for adults, especially thyroid patients, to avoid using it. Food should be cooked without salt and there should be two salt shakers on the table: one with iodized salt for children and one without for adults.

All check-up programs should include the measurement of the TSH hormone - the most sensitive indicator of thyroid hormone levels - and a thyroid ultrasound. Thyroid ultrasounds and fine needle aspiration biopsies should also be included in public health screenings, just as a mammogram for breast cancer and a smear test for cervical cancer is..

In the past, thyroid patients were diagnosed with a measurement of thyroid hormones and a thyroid scintigraphy. Today, however, a scintigraphy is used to show whether the thyroid is under-functioning or over-functioning. For nodules and thyroid cancer, we prefer to use the more sensitive ultrasonography..

Despite a small risk, a patient can be safely followed. If the nodule continues to grow and becomes so big that it starts to press against other structures in the neck, it can always be surgically removed. However, the aim of the endocrine surgeon should be to detect the hidden malignant nodules, not the benign ones..

 Radioactive iodine – also known as radioiodine - is administered in small doses to treat hyperthyroidism and in large doses to treat thyroid cancer in addition to surgery. It is also used in the treatment of distant metastasis. The radioactive iodine used for this treatment is the same as that emitted in the Chernobyl disaster.