Thyroid disorders

Thyroid disorders are common in adults and, in some cases, can affect children and adolescents. The conditions can be varied and cover a wide spectrum of symptoms and clinical features. The thyroid gland is the largest of the endocrine glands and is situated at the front and across the lower portion of the neck, between the pharynx and the oesophagus. The gland consists of two lateral lobes connected by a smaller piece of tissue, which acts as a bridge between the two opposing lobes. It is closely attached to the thyroid cartilage at the upper end of the windpipe (trachea) and so can move ...