The thyroid is a small gland in the lower part of your neck that secretes hormones to deliver energy to cells of the body. There are many types of thyroid issues and our doctor performs diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease for patients in our region.
What are the most common thyroid problems?
The most common problems include hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid); hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid); goiter (enlarged thyroid); nodules (lumps); cancer (malignant thyroid tissue or nodules); and thyroiditis (inflammation).
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid that is incapable of producing enough hormones. Some of the causes of hypothyroidism include medication, radiation, and an autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s).
What are the symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
The symptoms of hypothyroidism can include a slow metabolism, fatigue, weight gain, and depression, among others.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism an overactive thyroid gland which produces too much hormone. The most common cause is an autoimmune condition known as Grave’s disease in which antibodies target the gland and cause it to speed up hormone production.
What are common symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?
Common symptoms include nervousness, insomnia, palpitations, fatigue, and weight loss, among others.
What is Autoimmune Thyroid Disease?
Autoimmune disease is a condition where antibodies either gradually destroy the thyroid, or make it overactive. Symptoms can be similar to both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid symptoms and in some cases can include both.
What is Goiter?
Goiter refers to when the thyroid becomes enlarged. Not all goiters cause signs and symptoms, however symptoms may include swelling at the base of your neck, a tight throat, hoarseness, coughing, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.
What are Thyroid Nodules?
Cysts, bumps, lumps, and tumors both benign and cancerous in the thyroid gland are known as thyroid nodules. These should be evaluated immediately; however most are not cancerous. Symptoms from nodules can be similar to both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, or a combination of both.
Thyroid Cancer
While thyroid cancer is a rare cancer, it's on the rise. In its early development there may be no symptoms and then symptoms may develop such as a neck lump, enlarged neck or lymph nodes, hoarseness or voice changes, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and pain or sensitivity in the neck.
Thyroiditis
When the thyroid becomes inflamed, due to bacterial or viral illness, this is known as thyroiditis. This condition can cause either an underactive or overactive thyroid.
What are the treatments for Thyroid Disease?
There are many types of thyroid issues. Our doctor performs the necessary tests and examination to determine the appropriate treatment for your thyroid condition. Although thyroid problems can be uncomfortable or unpleasant, most thyroid problems can be managed well if properly diagnosed. Our doctor performs treatments for a variety of thyroid diseases and if you have any concerns you should schedule an appointment with us.