Endocrine and thyroid disorders encompass several medical conditions that occur when the endocrine system does not function correctly. The endocrine system is responsible for producing and regulating hormones within the body. The thyroid, which is located in the neck, plays a major role in hormone production and endocrine function.

Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid is an important gland in the body that helps regulate metabolism. It is in the front of the neck and produces the thyroid hormone. Problems with the thyroid gland include too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis), thyroid nodules (lumps in the thyroid gland), or thyroid cancer.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that causes too much thyroid hormone to be released in the blood, which results in an increase in the body’s metabolism.

Symptoms can include:

Increased perspiration
Shakiness
Weight loss
Hair loss
Heart palpitations

Sometimes people with hyperthyroidism can just feel tired and weak. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please reach out to your local physician.

Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed by blood tests and sometimes a thyroid scan is needed to determine the cause.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune condition called “Graves’ disease.” Grave’s disease takes antibodies in the blood and stimulates the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone, and this requires treatment with medication to slow the thyroid gland. People who have Graves’ disease may need a variety of treatments to control the condition.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism; this condition causes too little thyroid hormone in the bloodstream, resulting in a slower metabolism.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include:

Weight gain
Constipation
Tiredness
Feeling cold
Dry skin
Swelling of the face or ankles

These symptoms can be very gradual and general, so it may be difficult to recognize there is a problem. Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed through a blood test.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or an immune destruction of the gland, but other causes include surgical removal of the thyroid gland, radiation treatments of the head and neck and certain medications. People who have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may need a variety of treatments to control the condition.

Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is the inflammation of the thyroid gland that can sometimes result in a temporary increase thyroid hormone in the blood (hyperthyroidism). Thyroiditis can potentially cause long-term destruction of the thyroid gland, eventually causing low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism).

The most common form of thyroiditis is called “Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.” It is a long-term, autoimmune condition, often resulting gradual damage to the thyroid gland and permanently low thyroid hormone levels. Hashimoto’s can be diagnosed with blood testing.

Currently, there is no way of preventing the loss of thyroid function and sometimes, the gland is so damaged that it never returns to normal, resulting in permanent hypothyroidism and that requires lifelong thyroid hormone replacement.

Nodules

Sometimes, the thyroid gland can develop lumps or “nodules” within the gland, and this can cause lumps on the neck. Nodules are common and their occurrence tend to increase with age. Most of these nodules are benign (non-cancerous). Usually nodules do not cause problems, but a very low percentage may be cancerous, which is why it important to see a specialist.

To determine whether a nodule is cancerous, your physician may recommend a biopsy through fine-needle aspiration. A biopsy is only necessary for nodules greater than 1.0-1.5 cm in diameter or if it has unusual features on the ultrasound.

If a nodule is benign, no treatment is usually needed unless it grows large enough to cause problematic symptoms such as:

Pressure in the neck
hoarseness of the voice
Difficulty swallowing or breathing

If this occurs, then the nodule can be removed by surgery. Currently, no medication can reliably shrink a thyroid nodule.

If a thyroid nodule is cancerous, it must be surgically removed.

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is more prevalent in women, being the 5th most common cancer diagnosis in women; it is highly treatable and rarely causes death.

Some common symptoms of thyroid cancer can include:

Trouble swallowing
Trouble breathing
Swelling in the neck
A lump in the neck
Pain in the front of the neck
Hoarseness or other voice changes
A chronic cough with no known cause

The two most common forms of thyroid cancer are usually low grade and do not spread quickly (“follicular” and “papillary”). Some less common form of thyroid cancer includes:

Medullary (which tends to run in families)
Anaplastic
Lymphoma (which may be more aggressive, but are quite rare)

To make a diagnosis, a procedure is usually performed through fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of a thyroid nodule.

Treatment for thyroid cancer is typically through surgical removal, but sometimes requires additional treatment. The best course of treatment for thyroid cancer should be determined by a thyroid cancer specialist.

If you have any concerns about the conditions described here, please contact our office today to schedule an appointment. Accelerate ENT in New Jersey has ENT specialists who can address your needs and concerns.