Thyroid Disorder

Hyper- and Hypothyroidsim & Thyroid Englargement

One of the most common disorders we treat is a Thyroid Disorder. There are three types of thyroid problems:
– An overactive gland, or hyperthyroidism (toxic adenoma, toxic nodular goiter, or Graves’ disease)
– An underactive gland, or hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
– Thyroid enlargement due to over activity (Graves’ disease) or from under-activity (hypothyroidism). The enlarged gland is often referred to as a “goiter”.

You are more prone to develop thyroid malignancy if there is a family history of the problem, or they were exposed to radiation of the head or neck as a child for acne, adenoids, or other reasons.

Swelling in the neck or difficulty breathing and/or swallowing is a symptom that requires immediate attention by a surgeon or in the emergency room.

Treatment of the thyroid varies depending on the condition of the disorder. Hypothyroidism typically is treated with hormone replacement pills. Hyperthyroidism is typically treated with medication to block the effects of the excessive thyroid hormone, radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid gland, and/or the removal of the gland by means of surgery. Goiters must be monitored for malignant activity with a variety of tests.

Accessibility Menu