Thyroid

What is the thyroid?

Your thyroid is a gland that is a part of your endocrine system. It’s butterfly-shaped and sits at the base of the front of your neck. It produces thyroid hormones, which drive metabolism and play a number of other roles inside your body. 

If the team at Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates finds that you have thyroid nodules or any other suspicious growths affecting the thyroid, they can use ultrasound imaging and biopsies to check for cancer. They can also use blood tests to check the level of thyroid hormones in your system. 

Once the team diagnoses your thyroid problem, they can develop a suitable treatment plan that addresses your needs and reduces the symptoms you experience. 

What can go wrong with my thyroid?

There are numerous conditions of the thyroid that affect it in one of two ways. Some conditions cause an overproduction of thyroid hormones, while others cause an underproduction. Hormones play important roles, and when out of balance, many symptoms can appear as a result. 

Because of conditions like goiter, nodules, thyroid cancer, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, you might experience symptoms of:

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, the overproduction of thyroid hormones, causes symptoms like anxiety, trouble sleeping, weight loss, tremors, and heat sensitivity. 

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the underproduction of thyroid hormones. Its symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, forgetfulness, and hoarseness.

The team at Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates explains your diagnosis in detail and what it means for your future wellness. 

How are thyroid problems treated?

Treating a thyroid problem begins with an accurate diagnosis. The team at Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates develops a treatment plan that may or may not include surgery. Initial treatments from your primary care provider or endocrinologist might include radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid medications, and beta-blockers. 

Surgery for hyperthyroidism, which you can get at Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates, is called thyroidectomy. The team removes either part or all of your thyroid gland to treat nodules, cancer, and other thyroid conditions like gland enlargement. This can improve breathing or swallowing issues that come with your disorder.

During surgery, the team uses advanced intraoperative laryngeal nerve monitoring equipment to make sure the surgery doesn’t damage your vocal cords or their nerves. 

Following surgery, you must take thyroid hormone replacement medications for the rest of your life to drive your metabolism.

To learn more about your thyroid and find out if your symptoms are from a thyroid disorder, call Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates or book an appointment online today.