Alaska's Western Arctic Caribou herd forms aggregations or groups that can stretch for miles. The herd is on a three-year census schedule. The Department attempted a census during July 2002 but high wind, snow and fog forced a one-year delay. Weather almost prevented the 2003 attempt as well.
Finally, thyroid cancer may also be detected as a cause of an enlarged thyroid gland. It is quite clear that enlargement of the thyroid or the presence of nodules within the thyroid is common, particularly as revealed when sensitive imaging techniques such as ultrasound are used.
The second major cause is the broad category of medical treatments. The treatment of many thyroid conditions warrants surgical removal of a portion or all of the thyroid gland. If the total mass of thyroid producing cells left within the body are not enough to meet the needs of the body, the patient will develop hypothyroidism.