When is this performed? When there is a specific adrenal lesion that over produces hormones, e.g. Conn`s syndrome, phaeochromocytoma When a malignant adrenal lesion cannot be ruled out, e.g. lesion greater than 5cm or lesion enlarging at fast rate Both…
What is it Osteoporosis is characterised by a weakening of bones such that patients are at an increased risk of fractures (breaking a bone) Who it affects Osteoporosis is a common disorder affecting 10 % of the general population. It is…
Who it affects Thyroid nodules and cysts are very common and usually benign. They are increasingly being detected because of the widespread availability of ultrasound and CT scanning. What gland is involved The thyroid gland lies in the front part…
When is this performed? To investigate whether a patient has osteoporosis or whether treatment for this has been effective What does the test involve? Lying on a couch whilst a machine arm passes over you. Are there any side-effects? This…
When is this performed? Computerised tomography (CT) is requested by an endocrinology specialist in the investigation of a variety of disorders. It is usually performed after other investigations suggest an excess or deficiency of a particular hormone(s). An CT scan…
Who it affectsHypothyroidism is a common disorder affecting 5% of the general population. What gland is involvedThe thyroid gland lies in the front part of the neck just under skin and below the thyroid cartilage (see picture above). SymptomsPatients with…
Who it affectsHyperthyroidism is also known as thyrotoxicosis or an over active thyroid and is a relatively common disorder. An over active thyroid may result from various causes. Patients with Graves disease are usually younger, female and may have a…
Ablative dose of radioiodine In the context of hyperthyroidism, this indicates a dose of radioiodine that aims to render the thyroid under active. The term is also used in thyroid cancer after thryoid surgery to indicate a dose of radioiodine…
When is this performed? In the treatment of an over active thyroid For the removal of a large thyroid For the removal of a thyroid nodule or lesion What does the treatment involve? Receiving an anaesthetic - usually general anaesthetic…
Who it affects Thyroid cancer is very rare and accounts for less than 1% of cancer related deaths. There are various types of thyroid cancer, e.g. follicular, papillary, Hurthle cell, medullary and anaplastic. What gland is involved The thyroid gland…
When is this performed? With an overactive thyroid With an enlarged thyroid In thyroid cancer What does the treatment involve? Some centres do an uptake scan prior to administering radioiodine. This scan is painless. Radioiodine (I131) is radioactive iodine and…
Who it affects Obesity is an increasingly common disorder. It is estimated that obesity will affect 40% of the population by 2020. BMI (Body Mass Index) is used to classify patients as overweight or obese. BMI is calculated by dividing…