January Is Thyroid Awareness Month

According to the American Thyroid Association, approximately 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid cancer. As January is Thyroid Awareness Month, it is important to discuss because 60% of those with a thyroid disease are unaware of their condition. Today we will discuss what the thyroid is and its function. We will also cover the warning signs and screenings available. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your thyroid.

What is the thyroid and what is its function?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the lower front of the neck. The role of the thyroid is to make thyroid hormones. These hormones are secreted into the blood and then carried throughout the body. The thyroid controls the body’s metabolism, increases heart rate, and affects how fast things move through the body such as food, bone loss, and sugar. It is thought to be the most important endocrine organ!

Thyroid Awareness Month facts:

In honor of Thyroid Awareness Month, here are few quick facts of about thyroid disorders.

• Women are 5-8 times more likely than men to experience thyroid problems
• 1 in 8 women will develop a thyroid disorder in her lifetime
• The cause of thyroid problems is largely unknown
• Cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and infertility are serious conditions that can occur if thyroid disease goes undiagnosed
• It is important for pregnant women to be diagnosed and treated adequately. If not, risks include miscarriage, preterm delivery and severe developmental problems in their children
• Most thyroid diseases are life-long and can be managed with proper medical attention
• Thyroid nodules are very common and are present in 60-70% of middle-aged women
• Most thyroid cancers respond to treatment, but a small percentage can be very aggressive

Early warning signs of thyroid problems

• Overactive thyroid: Racing heart rate, Palpitations, Anxiety, Insomnia, Nervousness, Weight loss with increased appetite, Excessive sweating/heat intolerance, Muscle weakness
• Underactive thyroid: Fatigue / sluggishness (mental and physical), Cold intolerance, Constipation, Hair loss, Weight gain, Depression

Signs of thyroid nodules/cancer

• An unusual lump or swelling in the neck
• Other warning signs include a new cough, hoarseness, swollen glands and a new persistent cough

Screenings for thyroid dysfunction

There are blood tests used to measure thyroid hormones but not all are useful in all situations. The following are tests used to evaluate thyroid function.

• TSH tests measure the TSH level in the blood which is the best way to initially test thyroid function. Changes in TSH can serve as an early warning before levels become too high or too low
• T4 tests measure T4 which is the main form of thyroid hormone circulating in the blood. Levels help determine if a patient has hypo or hyperthyroidism
• T3 tests are useful to diagnose hyperthyroidism. People who are hyperthyroid will have an elevated T3 level.
• Free T3 tests measure free T3 but they are often unreliable and not typically helpful

Diagnosing and Treating a Thyroid Condition

We have a variety of ways to diagnose and treat thyroid conditions:

• Thyroidectomy
• Thyroid tumors treatment
• Laryngeal nerve monitoring
• Parathyroid Adenoma / Hyperplasia
• Parathyroidectomy

Visit the Thyroid & Parathyroid Treatment page to learn more about available tests and treatments for diagnosing and treating thyroid dysfunction.

When talking to your doctor

• Be honest and upfront about your symptoms. Do not feel embarrassed!
• Write down your questions and concerns and bring them to your appointment
• If possible, bring a family member or close friend. Sometimes it helps to have two sets of ears when hearing from your doctor
• Take notes so you can look them over at a later time
• Learn how to access your records, get test results and a list of your medications. Many of these things can be found electronically
• Make sure you have your doctor’s contact information and find out the best way to communicate
• Remember no question is too small! Your doctor is there to answer all of your questions and make you feel confident and comfortable with the care you will be receiving

About Dr. Evan Walgama

Evan S. Walgama, MD, is a board-certified Otolaryngologist – Head & Neck / ENT Surgeon at the Pacific Eye, Ear & Skull Base Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Santa Monica. His particular area of expertise is in the treatment of patients with benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck. Dr. Walgama leads a multidisciplinary team to address benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck, including thyroid, oral cavity, HPV-related, throat, and sinus/skull base. He is a champion of patient-centered decision making and multidisciplinary care.

Useful Links

• Pacific Head And Neck
• Pacific Eye, Ear & Skull Base Center

Adapted from Original article written by Dr. Melanie Goldfarb on the Saint John’s Cancer Institute blog.