Previous Section
Introduction to Thyroid Cancer
Hypothyroidism
In hypothyroidism, also called "underactive thyroid", the thyroid gland produces abnormally low levels of thyroid hormones. Although symptoms of hypothyroidism are usually very subtle, severe hypothyroidism can cause myxedema - a condition characterized by thick, dry skin and coarse facial features. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis - an autoimmune disorder in which the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland and cause it to underproduce thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism can also occur as a side-effect of treatment for thyroid cancer with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy. It can also occur when the head and neck region is radiated to treat other cancers such as lymphomas, especially in children and adolescents.
