Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery

The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland in the neck that lays over your windpipe or trachea. This gland produces thyroid hormone. Overproduction of the thyroid hormone is called hyperthyroidism and underproduction is called hypothyroidism. There are four parathyroid glands near the thyroid gland that are responsible for controlling calcium homeostasis. Hyperparathyroidism and Hypoparathyroidism are conditions caused by abnormal function of these glands.

Symptoms

A few common symptoms include thyroid swelling, goiter (swelling at base of neck), weight loss or weight gain, fatigue, cold sensitivity or sweating, dry skin and irritability.

Parathyroid symptoms include weakened bones and muscles, fatigue, anxiety.

Diagnosis

Lab work, physical exam, and ultrasounds can identify thyroid nodules or cyst. A thyroid scan or FNA (fine needle aspiration) can determine if a nodule is malignant.

A Sestamibi Scan is used to evaluate the function of a parathyroid gland.

Surgery

Surgical removal of a portion or the entire thyroid or parathyroid is necessary if a patient is symptomatic or cancer is suspected. The specimen is then sent to a pathologist for analysis.