Thyroid diseases are relatively common, occurring in about 10% of the population in the Western world. Many are simple to diagnose and treat, while others are not. In this comprehensive work, the author draws upon personal experience, teaching, and a distillation of the literature to provide clinicians with advice on how to handle specific patient-related problems. The book begins with a summary of basic information on the structure, function, development, abnormal development, and physiology of the thyroid gland. It then reviews tests of thyroid function and clinical examinations before proceeding to chapters on disease states. Chapters on clinical problems include hyper- and hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, thyroiditis, goitre, and iodine deficiency disorders. The chapters on hyper- and hypothyroidism are designed to aid the physician in defining the specific cause and management of patients with these conditions. Evaluation and treatment of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer arouse considerable differences of opinion; these differences are reviewed and specific recommendations are outlined. Flow diagrams are included for the work up of different clinical situations, and each chapter concludes with a section of key facts. The last two chapters cover clinically related issues. Since non-thyroid illnesses, both physical and mental, can distort thyroid function tests, the author provides advice on how to avoid a misdiagnosis. Because some diagnostic tests and treatments involve administering radioactive iodine to the patient, the final chapter discusses radiation biology and the thyroid. This cohesive volume will be of value to endocrinologists and clinicians who treat patients with thyroid disease, as well as to medical students and physicians in training.