Thyroid / Parathyroid Conditions

Our ENT Specialists and Endocrinologists professionally examine, diagnose and treat a variety of Thyroid and Parathyroid issues.

Thyroid and Parathyroid Abnormal Function Symptoms

Lumps or Masses in the Neck Area
Difficulty Swallowing
Unusual Fatigue
Mood Changes
Muscle and Bone Aches
Abdominal Pain
Nausea
Changes in Metabolism

What function do the thyroid / parathyroid glands perform?
The thyroid and parathyroid glands are part of the body’s endocrine system. The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland that sits over the airway in the lower neck. It secretes a thyroid hormone, which is crucial in regulating the body’s metabolism. The parathyroid glands are four small glands that sit outside the capsule of the thyroid gland. These glands help to regulate the amount of calcium in the bloodstream. Proper function of both glands are vital to living a healthy and vibrant life.

What issues can arise with the Thyroid glands?
People can develop thyroid enlargement, thyroid nodules, abnormal function of the thyroid, or even thyroid cancer. Any of these problems can present with a bump or mass in the neck in the area of the thyroid gland, difficulty swallowing, or symptoms of abnormal thyroid function. Thyroid nodules are also often found on imaging done for other reasons. Treating these problems can include laboratory studies, thyroid ultrasound, fine needle biopsy of thyroid nodules, or thyroid surgery.

Why would I see an ENT about my parathyroid glands?
The most common issue we treat is hyperparathyroidism due to a parathyroid adenoma. Patients with hyperparathyroidism or parathyroid adenoma have elevated calcium levels and parathyroid hormone levels. Our patients often experience symptoms of fatigue, mood changes, muscle/bone aches and abdominal pain/nausea. Hyperparathyroidism is usually picked up on routine labs in a patient's primary care office.

Comprehensive Thyroid and Parathyroid Care
We offer comprehensive thyroid and parathyroid care at MMC. We are able to obtain the necessary imaging, lab workup and specialist evaluation all in one building. We do our own fine needle aspiration biopsies under ultrasound guidance, and are able to offer genetic testing on thyroid nodules, should it be required. Thyroid/parathyroid surgery can be done in our Surgicenter as an outpatient under most circumstances.

Some of our services include:

Ultrasound guided fine-needle biopsy of thyroid nodules
Thyroid surgery for benign disease or thyroid cancer
Parathyroidectomy
Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation
We also have a great team of Board Certified Endocrinologists at MMC that allows for a multidisciplinary approach to thyroid and parathyroid disorders.