Center for Parathyroid and Thyroid Disorders

At The Center for Parathyroid and Thyroid Disorders at ENT Associates of Southern Indiana we are dedicated to providing superior medical care and education for patients with thyroid and parathyroid disease. Our board certified otolaryngologists employee the latest diagnostic, medical and surgical techniques to treat the many conditions that can affect these endocrine organs.

What does the Thyroid do?

The major role of the thyroid gland is to produce thyroid hormone, which controls the metabolic rate. Thyroid disorders are very common in the United States, with over 20 million people under treatment. An estimated 2 million others have an undiagnosed thyroid problem.

Thyroid Nodules and Cancer.

Many patients have a nodule or mass on their thyroid. This may be a new finding or present for many years. Often the patient has no symptoms, and the nodule or mass is discovered by a primary-care physician. Some nodules require removal to rule out thyroid cancer. Though uncommon and very treatable, thyroid cancer has been rising for the past 20 years.

Thyroid cancer surgery typically involves removal of the thyroid gland. Additionally, in some cases the removal of lymph nodes is very important. After surgery, radioactive iodine is often utilized for treating microscopic disease.

Hypothyroidism.

We diagnose hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, by understanding the symptoms of underactive hormone production and testing it in the blood. We then prescribe hormone replacement therapy.

Hyperthyroidism.

We also diagnose hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, by understanding symptoms and running lab tests. The condition is commonly caused by either a single overactive thyroid nodule, an overactive multinodular goiter or Graves disease. Treatment for hyperthyroidism may involve medication, radioactive iodine or, in some cases, surgery.

What do the Parathyroid Glands do?

The parathyroid glands are located just behind the thyroid gland. Humans have four separate individual glands. The glands themselves release a hormone known as Parathyroid Hormone (PTH). This hormone helps regulate blood calcium levels. Occasionaly either one or multiple numbers of the parathyroid glands can release too much PTH, resulting in hyperparathyroidism.

Hyperparathyroidism.

Patients with hyperparathyroidism can experience bone and muscle aches, kidney stones and osteoporosis. Although medications can be given to lower the life-threatening calcium levels quickly, the preferred treatment for hyperparathyroidism is surgical. That is because the effects of such medications are short-lived and the condition will persist, and in most cases, get worse over time. Most cases of disorders involving overactivity of the parathyroid glands are caused by a benign tumor. Only 1% of primary hyperparathyroid states are related to cancer of the parathyroid glands.

Surgery for this condition can often be performed as an outpatient through a very tiny incision measuring about one to two inches in length. This incision heals extremely well and is barely detectable within weeks to months after surgery.

For more information on Thyroid and Parathyroid conditions please review our patient education page here.