Thyroid disorders

There are a number of different types of testing that can be done to both confirm a potential diagnosis, as well as inform you of any potential issues that you may be at risk for, whether as a result of genetics or other factors.

Imaging tests for thyroid conditions

We offer the following diagnostic imaging services to help diagnose thyroid and parathyroid conditions:

• 4D parathyroid computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Lymph node mapping
• Parathyroid ultrasound
• Parathyroid dual isotope nuclear scan
• Parathyroid single isotope nuclear scan
• Radioactive iodine whole body nuclear scan
• Thyroid nuclear scan and iodine uptake (six and 24 hours)
• Thyroid ultrasound

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy

If you experience a thyroid lump, nodule or mass, you may be recommended for an FNA biopsy. An FNA is a quick, safe and reliable method of evaluating thyroid nodules.

The procedure usually causes little pain and is performed with very thin needles that are inserted into the nodule. Cells from the nodule are extracted through the needles and are examined under a microscope to determine the nature of your nodule.

Genetic counseling

A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional with special training in medical genetics and psychosocial counseling. Our genetic counselors evaluate the likelihood of a hereditary cancer condition based on your personal and/or family history of cancer.

Prior to an initial genetic counseling appointment, one of our genetic counselors will complete a risk assessment. They will then review it with you at your appointment where you will discuss possible genetic testing options. If you have concerns about a hereditary thyroid cancer condition, please speak with your physician for a referral to one of our genetic counselors.

If advanced treatment is needed, our surgeons offer special surgical procedures to treat a host of thyroid conditions. Typically, the most common reasons for surgery would be for an overly large thyroid, a thyroid nodule or thyroid cancer.

The three main types of thyroid surgery we perform include:

• Lobectomy — Removal of one half of the thyroid
• Subtotal thyroidectomy — Removal of almost all of the thyroid, where only a small amount of the thyroid is left behind
• Total thyroidectomy — Removal of the whole thyroid

Minimally invasive thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy

Most thyroid surgeries are accomplished through a small incision in the lower neck. However, as part of our continued commitment to innovation and less invasive procedures, we offer transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery via the vestibular approach (TOETVA).

During a TOETVA procedure, incisions to remove all or part of the thyroid are made through the inner part of the lower lip. All scars from a TOETVA procedure are hidden and much smaller than with traditional thyroid surgery.

Educational resources for people with thyroid issues

You can use the following resources to find out more about thyroid conditions and treatments:

• American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
• American Association of Endocrine Surgeons
• American Thyroid Association
• NIH National Cancer Institute
• ThyCa’s downloadable low iodine cookbook
• Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association