The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland has an essential role. It secretes thyroid hormone that acts on every cell in the body to help orchestrate the metabolic rate and responses to growth, repair and day to day ticking over of the body.
The butterfly is often linked with the thyroid as they have a similar shape. It's image is used by many thyroid patient support groups
Conditions affecting the Thyroid Gland
Thyroid conditions can affect the thyroid function or have normal function but gland growth due to nodules forming called a goitre. Thyroid cancer is increasing but is still only 1% of all cancer diagnoses. It often needs surgery to make the diagnosis though.
Graves' disease
An overactive thyroid
This is a common autoimmune condition. Often called Graves' disease. Initially treated by medicine. It often requires either radioactive iodine or surgery
Thyroid Goitres
Solitary nodules & Cancer
Thyroid nodules are very common. They occur either alone or as part of a multi-nodular goitre (an enlarged thyroid gland). Thyroid cancer is uncommon. The most common 2 types can be cured in over 93%. All types are best treated by surgery.
Thyroiditis
An underactive thyroid
An underactive thyroid is often related to thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid. Often due to Hashimoto's disease an autoimmune condition. Surgery is rarely the treatment.
Written by Mr James Kirkby-Bott. Last reviewed 12/10/2026