January is National Thyroid Awareness Month, a time to promote information about thyroid conditions and treatment.
The thyroid gland produces a hormone that helps regulate metabolism in a variety of ways. Located in the lower neck in front of the windpipe, the thyroid is small but mighty, affecting all of your body’s organs, tissues, and cells.
According to the American Thyroid Association, 12 percent of people in the United States experience a thyroid condition at some point in their life. Thyroid conditions are five to eight times more common in women than men.
People with undiagnosed thyroid disease are at higher risk for serious conditions including infertility, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. It is especially important to treat thyroid problems in pregnant women because hypothyroidism increases risk of preterm delivery, miscarriage and developmental disabilities in babies.
Thyroid Conditions
There are a variety of conditions that can affect the thyroid gland.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much of the thyroid hormone. This can increase the body’s metabolism, leading to weight loss, palpitations, irritability, and other symptoms.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism are dry skin, fatigue, constipation, weight gain and cold sensitivity.
Thyroid nodules (growths) are common, affecting 40 percent of women and 30 percent of men. Most are benign, but some can be cancerous.
Thyroid cancer can become apparent as a lump in the neck or can be found by radiographic studies such as ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI scans. It is important to evaluate thyroid nodules to determine if there is suspicion for cancer. Fortunately, thyroid cancers often respond very well to treatment.
Diagnosing Thyroid Conditions
Medical history, physical exam, blood tests, and radiographic studies can be helpful to diagnose thyroid diseases.
If a nodule is found, a needle biopsy may be performed to determine if the nodule is suspicious for cancer.
Thyroid Disease Treatment in Austin, TX
Some thyroid conditions can be treated with medication. Others require surgery. Sometimes removal of part of the thyroid with surgery is necessary to determine if a nodule is malignant.
Thyroid surgery is typically needed in these situations:
- When a growth might be cancerous
- When a nodule is large
- When there are multiple nodules
- When a nodule is atypical or suspicious
- When a patient has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer
- When a nodule or enlarged thyroid causes symptoms like trachea compression, trouble swallowing, or a visible mass
- When an enlarged thyroid or nodule produces and releases excess thyroid hormone leading to hyperthyroidism
A thyroidectomy may be partial or total removal of the thyroid. The extent of the procedure depends on the patient’s diagnosis and symptoms.
Our surgeons are specially trained in thyroid surgery and will carefully explain what to expect if surgery is recommended.
For more information on thyroid surgery or to schedule an appointment, visit austinsurgeons.net or call (512) 467-7151.
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