The thyroid is a small gland found in the lower front of the neck. The hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are important for normal metabolism. Disease of the thyroid gland occurs with increased frequency in elderly patients. This increased frequency is largely due to hypothyroidism, or underfunctioning of the thyroid gland. The other major thyroid problem in elderly patients is the development of nodules or lumps in the thyroid gland.
The thyroid is a small gland found in the lower front of the neck. The hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are important for normal metabolism. Disease of the thyroid gland occurs with increased frequency in elderly patients. This increased frequency is largely due to hypothyroidism, or underfunctioning of the thyroid gland. The other major thyroid problem in elderly patients is the development of nodules or lumps in the thyroid gland.
