Millions of people are affected by thyroid disease worldwide, yet most people know little about the thyroid. Thyroid Disease fills that gap, explaining the importance of the thyroid gland to the smooth functioning of the human body and mind.This book covers all of the important aspects of diseases of the thyroid, a small gland that secretes hormones that deliver energy to cells of the body. Historical details on the earliest references to the thyroid gland and goiters, as well as historic details on the links between goiter, iodine, and cretinism are discussed. Thyroid diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer, are addressed in detail. Historical vignettes help explain important topics, such as the iodination of salt and Nobel Prize–winning work on thyroid surgery, and also provide examples of famous people with thyroid conditions.