Guide To The Causes, Risk Factors, And Complications Of Thyroid Nodules

Iodine Deficiency

An individual's thyroid gland located in their neck is responsible for producing numerous hormones that help with the regulation and function of organs and processes around the body. Iodine is an element the thyroid gland requires to produce thyroid hormones. Iodine is only provided to the body through the food an individual consumes, as the body is not able to produce this element on its own. Deficient levels of iodine activate an adaptive process in the gland where it induces the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone. This increased secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone has a direct effect on the tissues of an individual's thyroid gland. This effect leads to an increase in the thyroid gland mass and the number of normal cells in the thyroid tissues. This response is meant to help the gland better absorb iodine. The excess thyroid tissues can develop into thyroid nodules and other abnormalities. Individuals who develop thyroid nodules due to an iodine deficiency are at a higher risk of developing malignancy in their thyroid tissues.