That means the doctors at Colorado West Otolaryngologists, PC, diagnose and treat many thyroid problems, including surgery to remove part or all of the gland when necessary. Thyroid problems can be hard to detect because they often develop gradually, and they cause an array of symptoms.
The team at Colorado West Otolaryngologists treats thyroid conditions such as:
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the gland is overactive, causing high levels of thyroid hormones. This condition develops due to an autoimmune disorder called Grave’s disease or when a goiter or thyroid nodule actively produces hormones.
When the thyroid gland enlarges, it’s called a goiter. Goiters are usually caused by hyperthyroidism.
Nodules are abnormal growths that develop in the thyroid gland. Nodules can get large enough to turn into a goiter. They can also produce thyroid hormones, and they carry a small risk of becoming malignant.
Thyroid cancer occurs at a surprisingly young age, most often appearing between the ages of 15 and 29. It’s also one of the most common cancers in women, who have a much higher risk of thyroid cancer compared to men.
Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate your metabolism and virtually every function in your body. As a result, you can develop many symptoms that affect different parts of your body.
Hyperthyroidism speeds up your metabolism and causes symptoms such as weight loss, excessive sweating, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sensitivity to heat, difficulty sleeping, and nervousness.
Severe cases of Graves disease may cause bulging eyes, puffiness around the eyes, excessive tear formation, double vision, and sensitivity to light.
When you have a thyroid nodule or goiter, you may experience:
Many patients have a noticeable lump at the base of their neck, depending on the size of the problem.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism begins with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications. Patients who have symptoms caused by nodules or a goiter often need surgery to remove part of all of the gland.
If your diagnostic testing suggests thyroid cancer, your doctor at Colorado West Otolaryngologists performs a fine needle aspiration to determine if you have malignant cells in the gland.
Thyroid cancer is treated with surgery to remove the tumor or the entire gland. You may also need radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and or targeted therapy.
If you have any questions about your thyroid gland, call Colorado West Otolaryngologists, PC, or book an appointment online today.
If you have any questions about your thyroid health, call one of the offices in Grand Junction, Montrose, or Gunnison, Colorado, or book an appointment online today.