Thyroid disease and pregnancy
Women and thyroid disease is the second most common type of endocrine disorder during pregnancy. Hypothyroidism in women is associated with sterility and miscarriages. During pregnancy, complications can occur such as preeclampsia, placenta detachment, premature labor and postpartum hemorrhage. Infants may also be affected by developmental problems and low birth weight.11 In addition, post-partum thyroiditis (PT) is reported in 4-10% of women.
TPP is an autoimmune thyroid disease that occurs during the first year after delivery. Pregnant women affected by Graves’ disease can give birth to newborns suffering from hyperthyroidism. Knowing the state of the thyroid before and during pregnancy is crucial for a viable birth. For mothers diagnosed with thyroid disease, proper treatment and monitoring can prevent certain complications during pregnancy.
- Thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer occurs in the thyroid gland. It is the most common endocrine cancer and its global incidence is increasing. There are four main types of thyroid cancer and they are classified according to the appearance of cancer cells under the microscope: papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic. Most thyroid cancers progress very slowly and can either be cured or treated effectively. Only anaplastic thyroid cancer, which accounts for 1% of thyroid cancers, develops very quickly and is difficult to control.
The global incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing. This may be due to improved screening for small tumours through new, more sensitive diagnostic technologies, or to a real increase in the total number of cancer cases, due to increased exposure to radiation or other unknown environmental carcinogens.