Thyroid & Parathyroid Treatment

Symptoms 

Symptoms may differ upon severity of condition, but may include:

• Fatigue
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Weight gain
• Hoarseness
• Muscle weakness
• Elevated blood cholesterol levels
• Enlarged thyroid gland (Goiter)

Treatment

Treatment for thyroid & parathyroid may include:

• Medication:
  • Anti-thyroid medications
  • Thyroid hormone
  • Beta-blockers
• Nerve Monitoring:
  • Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring:
    • During thyroid and parathyroid surgery, the surgeon operates very close to the laryngeal nerves. Damage to the laryngeal nerves can cause difficulties in speaking and swallowing. Laryngeal monitoring reduces the occurrence of damage by identifying the nerve throughout surgery, and verifying its integrity after the procedure is completed. This offers peace of mind to both patient and surgeon, ensuring a successful surgery and lowering the risk of post-operative complications.
• Surgery Options:
  • Total or Near-Total Thyroidectomy:
    • Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Depending on the cause and extent of the condition, part or all of the gland is removed. It is important to leave the parathyroid glands in the body, since they monitor calcium and phosphorous levels. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually requires an overnight hospital stay at one of our practice’s affiliated hospitals such as Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica or Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance.
  • Hemithyroidectomy or Thyroid Lobectomy:
    • The removal of one of the two lobes of the gland.
  • Isthmusectomy:
    •  The removal of the isthmus, the bridge of tissue that crosses over the middle of the trachea and sits between the thyroid lobes. This option is reserved for the removal of small tumors.
  • Parathyroidectomy:
    • Although medication is available to treat parathyroid conditions, surgery is most often recommended and is the only true cure for this condition. Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands is called a parathyroidectomy. During this procedure, you will be given either a general or local anesthetic. Your doctor will make a small incision in your neck and remove the gland. Each patient’s individual condition will determine how many of the parathyroid glands need to be removed. Some parathyroid tissue must be left in place to help prevent hypoparathyroidism (decreased parathyroid activity).

Overactive thyroid hormone production, known as hyperthyroidism, is a common condition that causes an increase in metabolic function throughout the body. An overactive thyroid is often caused by an adenoma, which causes the gland to enlarge. If left untreated, this condition can lead to kidney problems or extreme stress on vital organs. It is important for patients to seek proper medical attention for thyroid tumors in order to reduce the risk of complications.

Types of Thyroid & Parathyroid

There are many different types of thyroid conditions such as:

• Parathyroid Adenoma/Hyperplasia:
  • An adenoma is a benign tumor that may develop on one or more of the parathyroid glands and may lead to hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid), causing the gland to enlarge and produce excess amounts of parathyroid hormone. Hyperplasia refers to an enlargement of all four parathyroid glands. Both of these conditions can lead to abdominal pain, kidney stones, nausea, vomiting, increased thirst and urination, bone fractures, constipation and muscle pain. Treatment for these conditions usually involves surgical removal of the affected parathyroid glands. Patients may need to take medication after surgery in order to maintain normal levels of parathyroid hormone within the body.
• Graves' Disease:
  • Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism. Some symptoms include bulging eyes, eye discomfort and vision problems.
• Thyroiditis: 
  • Thyroiditis is an inflamed thyroid gland. Approximately 10% of women develop postpartum thyroiditis after giving birth.
• Hyperthyroidism: 
  • Hyperthyroidism (also known as "overactive thyroid") occurs when the thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormone than the body needs.
• Hashimoto's Disease: 
  • Hashimoto's disease (also known as "Hashimoto's thyroiditis") is an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism. People who have another autoimmune disease are more likely to develop Hashimoto's.

Infographic