Graves' Disease

Overview

Mayo Clinic is a leader in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of Graves' disease, the most common form of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland). Approximately 1,500 patients who have Graves' disease are treated at Mayo Clinic each year. This condition is usually corrected with medication or radioactive iodine; however, in some cases it requires surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Mayo surgeons have specialized in thyroid surgery for more than 100 years. Since Graves' disease may also affect the tissue behind the eyes and skin on the lower legs and feet - as well as the endocrine system - endocrinologists, opthamologists and dermatologists may work together. Mayo Clinic has a specialized ophthalmology team with a long history of treating and researching Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Diagnosis

Mayo Clinic specialists look for symptoms of Graves' disease. Besides a complete physical exam, doctors use blood tests to assess thyroid function and measure thyroid antibodies. They may also use a non-blood test called radioactive iodine uptake. For Graves' disease patients with eye symptoms, an imaging test is used to examine the eyes and eye sockets. Read more about Graves' disease diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Antithyroid drugs and radioiodine are effective treatments for Graves' disease. When these approaches fail to resolve the problem, the thyroid gland may be surgically removed. Mayo's thyroid surgeons use a subtotal thyroidectomy, a thyroid operation that removes the "problem" side of the gland so that the thyroid may not overproduce thyroid hormone. This disease may also affect the eyes and skin, in which case a combination of treatments is often used. Read more about Graves' disease treatment options.

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About Graves' Disease

Graves' disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland. With this disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland - and sometimes tissue behind the eyes or skin on the lower legs.

Graves' disease occurs in women eight times more than men. Its onset is typically in middle age, although it can be diagnosed in children and the elderly. Sometimes its cause is simply unknown; however, some people are genetically predisposed to autoimmune disorders. Graves' disease may be triggered by tremendous stress, pregnancy or an infection.

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