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This page was reviewed on December 10, 2025

January is Thyroid Awareness Month

Thyroid disease occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much or too little hormone. Or it occurs when an abnormal growth develops, giving rise to a lump or nodule in the neck. 

Smoking, diabetes or other autoimmune disease, iodine intake, and advanced age can increase your risk for thyroid disease. Women have a much higher risk than men.

If you are feeling fatigued, notice skin or hair changes, or have hoarseness or pain, your doctor may conduct a physical exam to check for an enlarged thyroid and order blood tests to assess thyroid hormone levels. If these tests show a problem, your doctor may order ultrasound imaging, a thyroid scan and uptake, or a thyroid biopsy to help assess your condition. 

For more information on thyroid disease risks, screening, diagnosis and treatment, visit RadiologyInfo.org:

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