Treatment for All Thyroid Conditions

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism (often called overactive thyroid) is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone (thyroxine). The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck just above where your collar bones meet. It makes the hormones that control the way every cell in the body uses energy. This process is called metabolism. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body’s metabolism significantly, causing sudden weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, and nervousness or irritability.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism (also called underactive thyroid) is a common disorder in which your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.

The thyroid gland is located in the front lower part of your neck and controls how your body’s cells use energy from food, a process called metabolism. Among other things, your metabolism affects your body’s temperature, your heartbeat, and how well you burn calories. If you don’t have enough thyroid hormone, your body processes slow down. Women, especially those older than age 60, are more likely to have hypothyroidism. It seldom causes symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain and heart disease. The good news is that accurate thyroid function tests are available to diagnose hypothyroidism, and treatment of hypothyroidism with synthetic thyroid hormone is usually simple, safe and effective once you and your doctor find the right dose for you.

Hyperparathyroidism

The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone interacts with calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels in the blood and bone. There are most likely four parathyroid glands (each about the size of a grain of rice) located in your neck. Some patients have more than four, and others less. The glands can become overactive and produce too much parathyroid hormone into the bloodstream

Congenital & Acquired Neck Masses

A neck mass is a lump or swelling in the neck that can be large and visible or very small. Neck masses are very common in infants and children. Some neck masses are present from birth (congenital neck masses) and can be due from abnormal formation during embryonic development.

Many neck masses become visible when the child has an upper respiratory infection like cold or sinus infection. Some are not found until they become enlarged and painful from infection.

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is a disease that you get when abnormal cells begin to grow in your thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and is located in the front of your neck. It makes hormones that regulate the way your body uses energy and that help your body work normally.

Most cases of thyroid cancer can be cured with treatment. Experts don’t always know the causes of thyroid cancer, but past radiation treatment of your head, neck, or chest (especially during childhood) is linked to an increased risk of developing it.

Thyroid Goiter

Goiter (GOI-tur) is an enlargement of your thyroid gland and is often referred to as enlarged thyroid. Goiters can be caused by diffusely enlarged thyroid glands, or glands that are filled with nodules. Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck just above where your collar bones meet. The gland makes the hormones that control the way every cell in the body uses energy (your metabolism). Although goiters are usually painless, a large goiter can cause a cough and make it difficult for you to swallow. In severe cases a goiter can make it more difficult to breathe.

Thyroid Eye Disease

Thyroid eye disease (TED) also known as Graves’ eye disease, may sometimes be the first thing that alerts patients they may have thyroid disease. The symptoms of thyroid eye disease include dry eyes, watery eyes, red eyes, bulging eyes, a “stare,” double vision, difficulty closing the eyes, and problems with vision.

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid, a small gland located at the front of the neck, just above where your collar bones meet in the middle. The great majority of thyroid nodules aren’t serious and don’t cause symptoms. However, if the cells in the nodules are functioning and producing thyroid hormone on their own, the nodule may produce signs and symptoms of too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). Thyroid cancer accounts for only a small percentage of thyroid nodules.