Hormonal and other methods of thyroid gland examination: A literature review

Abstract

The high frequency of thyroid gland disorders is currently being established, indicating that regular assessment of its condition and hormone levels may aid in the early detection of disease development. This study aimed to analyse current scientific data on methods for diagnosing the state of the thyroid gland. A randomised systematic review of 43 scientific sources published between 2015 and 2024 was conducted. The article provides an overview of traditional and modern methods of thyroid gland examination. It has been established that modern diagnostic methods are used to determine the condition of the thyroid gland and to characterise formations. Among them, thyroid ultrasound examination is the main non-radiation diagnostic tool for establishing diseases and monitoring observation. The advantages of ultrasound examination include speed, availability, and information content of the method. In addition, an important role is played by the physical examination of the patient and laboratory tests. Currently, fine-needle aspiration biopsy is considered the gold standard for the study of thyroid nodules. Positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography is used to assess tumour response and for the diagnosis, prognosis, and staging of thyroid cancer. To determine the functional state of the thyroid gland, the level of thyroid hormones in the blood serum is established: triiodothyronine, thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid peroxidase antibody, thyroglobulin antibodies, thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies, thyroglobulin, and calcitonin. Thus, various clinical, instrumental, and laboratory research methods are used to determine the state of the thyroid gland