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Treatment for a Parathyroid Adenoma with Parathyroidectomy

You can ask any medical authority about the condition known as parathyroid disease or hyperparathyroidism (they are usually one and the same), and what you will discover is that most would recommend the removal of the affected parathyroid gland.

The human body has four of these glands located behind the thyroid gland. These four small glands are in charge of regulating calcium levels in the body, and this is why any problems with them can generally result in a calcium deficiency in the bones or a flood of calcium in the bloodstream, among other similar conditions.

Typically, someone develops parathyroidism when a benign tumour develops on one of the glands. This is also known as parathyroid adenoma. The tumour itself is not going to cause any bodily harm, but it will cue the gland to create tremendous amounts of parathormone also know as PTH or parathyroid hormone. This keeps a steady supply of the hormone in the bloodstream, and this is an indicator to the body that calcium levels must be “boosted”. This can only be done by taking calcium from the bones, and the result is usually osteoporosis.

As if that were not bad enough, the condition also comes with a long list of complaints. Because there are no known medications to alleviate someone of the symptoms of this unusual condition, it is normal for a physician to suggest that the tumour (along with the tiny gland) is removed.

The Other Symptoms

In addition to the osteoporosis, the other symptoms are problematic because they generally make the individual feel extremely poorly.

For example, a standard list of symptoms relating to hyperparathyroidism includes:

  • A sense of grouchiness prompted by the other symptoms
  • Fatigue at a chronic level
  • Lack of concentration and interest
  • Sense of depression
  • Bone pain of the arms and legs
  • Poor sleep
  • GORD  or acid reflux
  • Low libido
  • Kidney stones from too much blood calcium
  • High blood pressure
  • Migraine headache
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • High liver test results
  • Thinning hair, among other symptoms

What is so remarkable is the simple fact that removing the tumour can bring the problems to an end almost immediately. In fact, most patients with parathyroid adenoma and the development of hyperparathyroidism report feeling better in a matter of days after the procedure.

Naturally, there is the need to monitor the other glands and all related blood levels, and to seek to restore any of the loss in bone density (this is the only cause for osteoporosis that can be reversed !), but the parathyroidectomy is considered a good remedy.

The Statistics

According to the medical literature, there are some very clear cure rates for the problem, and they include:

  • When all four of the glands are scrutinized the cure rates are reported up to 100%
  • The experience of the surgeon plays a key role in the long term outcome because it is a relatively uncommon surgical treatment
  • Because parathyroid glands are only the size of a grain of rice it can be a difficult procedure and choosing the right surgeon is key to success
  • Hyperparathyroidism can be caused by two or more of the glands
  • Complications of an incomplete surgery may be worse than the symptoms of the disease

What this tells us is that it is of the utmost importance to have an experienced surgeon assess the situation and perform the parathyroidectomy. This is a treatable issue but the best way is to work with an experienced parathyroid professional.

If you have questions or concerns about parathyroid gland problems or hyperthyroidism see your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.

Reference

Medscape  review

The post Treatment for a Parathyroid Adenoma with Parathyroidectomy appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

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Hearing the word cancer is a life-altering event, even if it is only mentioned as a possibility. When it comes to the thyroid, the process of diagnosing cancer can be time consuming and difficult. If your doctor believes that your thyroid issues could be the result of a malignant or cancerous tumor, you will have to begin the process required for a complete diagnosis. While this may seem overwhelming, understanding what to expect, can help you know what to expect throughout the diagnosis process. This article aims to provide general information only and is not a substitute for thorough management by a doctor.

Symptoms of thyroid cancer

The first step in determining the potential cause of thyroid problems is to identify the symptoms. While many cancers of the thyroid produce no recognisable symptoms, many others do.

Thyroid cancer symptoms can include:

  • Lymph nodes in the neck that are enlarged
  • Difficulty with swallowing
  • One or more lumps in the front neck area
  • Changes in your voice
  • Chronic coughing that does not go away with treatment
  • Pain, stiffness, or discomfort in the neck

Your doctor will rely on you to be honest and open about the symptoms you are having. He or she will also perform a physical examination of your neck, to see if there are any areas of swelling or growths that you may not be aware of. Your doctor will also check any lumps that are present to determine how they feel and whether they cause pain.

Thyroid blood tests

Your doctor will usually request that you have blood tests done during the diagnosis process. These tests are used to measure the TSH level or thyroid-stimulating hormone. If these numbers are higher or lower than normal, it may be due to the thyroid not functioning properly. In some cases, other tests will be performed to check calcitonin and thyroglobulin and other hormone levels depending on the type of cancer the doctor suspects that you may have.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are another important part of thyroid cancer diagnosis. There are several types of medical imaging studies that may be needed.

Ultrasound imaging

This imaging test emits sound waves that bounce off the glands, lymph nodes, and other structures in your neck. When these sound waves bounce back, they create images or pictures that allow the doctor to see if there are any other nodules or lumps present in the thyroid that are unable to be felt. This test will allow your doctor to gain a better understanding of the shape and size of the nodules, as well as whether they are solid masses or filled with fluid. If your nodules are fluid-filled, this is a good indication that the growths are non-cancerous.

CT neck

The CT scan is an x-ray test that provides detailed cross-sectional images of your body. A neck CT scan can help determine the location and size of thyroid cancers and whether they have spread to nearby areas. The CT is complementary to an Ultrasound. CT scanning can show if the thyroid nodule has extended locally, for instance into the chest. This is also called retrosternal extension. A CT may also provide clear imaging of neck lymph nodes and also tracheal – wind pipe compression. A CT scan can also be used to look for spread into distant organs such as the lungs.

Thyroid nuclear imaging – Radioiodine scan

This test requires you to ingest radioactive iodine just before the testing begins. This substance will attach to the thyroid cells and any nodules that are present. The images produced by this scan allow your doctor to see if there are hot or cold nodules. Cold nodules generally absorb less of the radioactive iodine, while hot ones absorb much more. Nodules that are considered hot, meaning they soak up the radioactive iodine, are generally not cancer.

Thyroid Biopsy

If your doctor has performed all of the other tests, and there are any abnormal results, the next step is a biopsy. This procedure may be done with a needle to remove a tissue sample, or you may have to undergo surgery to remove your thyroid or a portion of it. These samples are then sent to the lab for the final diagnosis.

For more information about thyroid cytology click here.

The diagnostic process for thyroid cancer can be overwhelming. However, when you know why your doctor is making the decisions for tests and imaging, it can help you better understand the process.

If you have questions or concerns about thyroid lumps see your local doctor, who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.

Reference

http://www.medicinenet.com/thyroid_cancer

 

The post The Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

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Hearing the word cancer is a life-altering event, even if it is only mentioned as a possibility. When it comes to the thyroid, the process of diagnosing cancer can be time consuming and difficult. If your doctor believes that your thyroid issues could be the result of a malignant or cancerous tumor, you will have to begin the process required for a complete diagnosis. While this may seem overwhelming, understanding what to expect, can help you know what to expect throughout the diagnosis process. This article aims to provide general information only and is not a substitute for thorough management by a doctor.

Symptoms of thyroid cancer

The first step in determining the potential cause of thyroid problems is to identify the symptoms. While many cancers of the thyroid produce no recognisable symptoms, many others do.

Thyroid cancer symptoms can include:

  • Lymph nodes in the neck that are enlarged
  • Difficulty with swallowing
  • One or more lumps in the front neck area
  • Changes in your voice
  • Chronic coughing that does not go away with treatment
  • Pain, stiffness, or discomfort in the neck

Your doctor will rely on you to be honest and open about the symptoms you are having. He or she will also perform a physical examination of your neck, to see if there are any areas of swelling or growths that you may not be aware of. Your doctor will also check any lumps that are present to determine how they feel and whether they cause pain.

Thyroid blood tests

Your doctor will usually request that you have blood tests done during the diagnosis process. These tests are used to measure the TSH level or thyroid-stimulating hormone. If these numbers are higher or lower than normal, it may be due to the thyroid not functioning properly. In some cases, other tests will be performed to check calcitonin and thyroglobulin and other hormone levels depending on the type of cancer the doctor suspects that you may have.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are another important part of thyroid cancer diagnosis. There are several types of medical imaging studies that may be needed.

Ultrasound imaging

This imaging test emits sound waves that bounce off the glands, lymph nodes, and other structures in your neck. When these sound waves bounce back, they create images or pictures that allow the doctor to see if there are any other nodules or lumps present in the thyroid that are unable to be felt. This test will allow your doctor to gain a better understanding of the shape and size of the nodules, as well as whether they are solid masses or filled with fluid. If your nodules are fluid-filled, this is a good indication that the growths are non-cancerous.

CT neck

The CT scan is an x-ray test that provides detailed cross-sectional images of your body. A neck CT scan can help determine the location and size of thyroid cancers and whether they have spread to nearby areas. The CT is complementary to an Ultrasound. CT scanning can show if the thyroid nodule has extended locally, for instance into the chest. This is also called retrosternal extension. A CT may also provide clear imaging of neck lymph nodes and also tracheal – wind pipe compression. A CT scan can also be used to look for spread into distant organs such as the lungs.

Thyroid nuclear imaging – Radioiodine scan

This test requires you to ingest radioactive iodine just before the testing begins. This substance will attach to the thyroid cells and any nodules that are present. The images produced by this scan allow your doctor to see if there are hot or cold nodules. Cold nodules generally absorb less of the radioactive iodine, while hot ones absorb much more. Nodules that are considered hot, meaning they soak up the radioactive iodine, are generally not cancer.

Thyroid Biopsy

If your doctor has performed all of the other tests, and there are any abnormal results, the next step is a biopsy. This procedure may be done with a needle to remove a tissue sample, or you may have to undergo surgery to remove your thyroid or a portion of it. These samples are then sent to the lab for the final diagnosis.

For more information about thyroid cytology click here.

The diagnostic process for thyroid cancer can be overwhelming. However, when you know why your doctor is making the decisions for tests and imaging, it can help you better understand the process.

If you have questions or concerns about thyroid lumps see your local doctor, who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.

Reference

http://www.medicinenet.com/thyroid_cancer

 

The post The Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

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Symptoms of Thyroid Disease

The symptoms of thyroid disease are going to vary from one person to the next. The symptoms depend on the type of thyroid problem. Thyroid hormone imbalance may be due to hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism – an overactive thyroid. For both conditions, the symptoms may develop over a variable time frame. Many of the symptoms may be mistaken for the common signs that accompany aging.

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

  • Irregular heart rate – tachycardia
  • Weight loss and increased appetite
  • Sweating
  • Intolerance to warm weather
  • Infrequent menstruation cycles
  • Frequent bowel movements
  • Emotional disturbances
  • Enlargement in neck area
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Eye problems such as eye protrusion or eye irritation – typically seen with Graves’ disease.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight gain
  • Depression
  • Intolerance to cold weather
  • Reduced heart rate
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Inability to think clearly
  • Puffy face and swollen lips

If you have concerns regarding possible symptoms relating to thyroid disease, consult their doctor.

When visiting the doctor, he or she will question you about their symptoms of thyroid disorder. A physical exam will also be conducted. Simple blood tests will often be performed to determine if the thyroid hormone levels in the bloodstream are too high or too low. Once all of the needed information has been gathered from the tests, your doctor will discuss the results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

In most instances, thyroid hormone imbalance can be treated with medical management. The medication prescribed must be taken on a daily basis. After starting treatment – the majority of patients begin to notice a marked improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks time. Most symptoms should disappear altogether within 2-3 months. The good news is that both conditions are fairly routine to treat. For patients who have hyperthyroidism not responsive to medical management, other treatment options are available.

Occasional follow up visits to the doctor’s office will also be required. For patients who have hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone dosages may need to be adjusted periodically to adequately supplement your body’s thyroid hormone requirement. Receiving too little or too much of the thyroid hormone could potentially be harmful, particularly for pregnant women.

Certain signs can be easy to miss – so pre-emptive testing is recommended for:

  • Women over 60 years of age
  • Pregnant women
  • Those with a family history of the conditions
  • Individuals who suffer from arthritis and diabetes

The symptoms of thyroid disease can worsen over time if left untreated. This can affect your quality of life. It is important, especially those with a history of thyroid disorders in their family to watch out for these symptoms. Prompt treatment is recommended.

If you have questions or concerns about thyroid problems see your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.

For more information about thyroid gland disorders click here.

The post What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Diseases? appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

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When the Thyroid Gland Goes Wrong

The thyroid gland regulates some of the most important functions of the human body, and if it doesn’t work right, we can suffer a long list of problems. But what is it? And why does it matter so much to our health?

The first thing to know about this gland is how it fits into the human body. Generally speaking, there are eight main endocrine glands, of which the thyroid is one.

These glands, which produce hormones essential to the body, include the adrenal gland, which produces adrenaline and other stress hormones, the pituitary, which releases hormones regulating homeostasis, and the islets of Langerhans, cell clusters on the pancreas responsible for creating insulin. The thyroid gland, for its part, generates three main hormones: calcitonin, thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

Calcitonin is one of the hormones resposible for reducing calcium levels in the bloodstream. Thyroid hormones including thyroxine and triiodothyronine, regulate growth and functioning rates of bodily systems. Together, these hormones control the speed with which the body uses energy and produces proteins, as wells as the body’s sensitivity to other hormones.

Malfunction of the thyroid gland can lead to a number of disorders. The two most common problems are hyperthyroidism, or over-production of these hormones, and hypothyroidism, underproduction. Each of these can lead to numerous physical symptoms and problems with energy, weight fluctuations and cognitive function.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition in which rogue antibodies force the thyroid to create too much of its hormones. Neck goitres, heart palpitations, excessive sweating, weight loss, bulging eyes, irritability, muscle weakness, diarrhoea, sleep problems, heat sensitivity and increased appetite are all symptoms.

A number of causes can lead to hypothyroidism, from autoimmune disorders and iodine deficiencies to congenital problems and removal of the thyroid during surgery. Stress is a common factor. Weight gain, baldness, memory problems, cold sensitivity, slowed heart rate and fatigue are common symptoms.

Both these conditions are commonly misdiagnosed as clinical depression. The weight fluctuations, fatigue, irritability, memory deficits and sleep disturbances common to thyroid disorders all mirror symptoms of major depressive disorder.

Cancer can also cause dysfunction of the thyroid. Though it usually presents without many symptoms, a nodule in the neck may appear, and vocal changes and neck pain may develop later in the cancer’s progression.

A simple check of the thyroid gland can help detect these problems if you think you’re showing symptoms. Tilt your head back, swallow some water and watch your throat in the mirror, particularly the area between your Adam’s apple and collarbone. If you notice any protrusions, bulges or other unusual signs, alert your doctor.

If you have questions or concerns about thyroid problems see your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.

The post When the Thyroid Gland Goes Wrong appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

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