Dr. Halla F. Shami of The Ear, Nose, Throat and Plastic Surgery Associates treats numerous patients experiencing thyroid and parathyroid issues each and every day at her state-of-the-art practice. Often, many of the patients have similar questions regarding their symptoms, treatment and discomfort. Dr. Shami recently sat down with Insight to answer some of the most common questions she hears.

1. What is a thyroid nodule?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland in the neck around the windpipe that helps control our body’s metabolism (how fast our heart beats; how quickly we burn calories).  Growths can occur in the thyroid gland and are called “nodules.” Thyroid nodules are very common. In fact, about 50 percent of people over the age of 50 have at least one thyroid nodule. Thyroid nodules can be cancerous, although most are not.

2. What are some of the risk factors or causes of thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer is becoming increasingly common in the U.S. To date, the only definite risk factors we know of are a family history of thyroid cancer or exposure to radiation. Radiation exposure would include certain medical treatments to the head and neck or fallout from power plant accidents and nuclear weapons.

3. What treatment options are available to me?

Most thyroid nodules are noncancerous. Based on the size of the nodule and characterizes on the ultrasound, a needle biopsy might be recommended.  Based on the results of the biopsy, surgery may be recommended. When thyroid nodules are determined to be noncancerous, we typically recommend follow up exams every 6 to 12 months.

6. What is hyperparathyroidism?

The parathyroid glands are four small glands that are located in the neck behind the thyroid gland. The job of the parathyroid glands is to control your blood calcium levels. Sometimes, for reasons we don’t understand, one or more of our parathyroid glands becomes enlarged and begins making too much of the parathyroid hormone, resulting in the condition known as hyperparathyroidism. This leads to high blood calcium levels which can cause multiple problems if left untreated.

4. What are the symptoms and treatment options for hyperparathyroidism?

The most common symptoms include kidney stones, stomach discomfort, kidney failure, osteoporosis, bone pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue. Often, however, people with hyperparathyroidism have no symptoms at all. Many are diagnosed when they have routine blood work and find out that their calcium level is high.  Surgery is the only option to treat the condition.

5. What are my surgery options for either condition?

There are various options for each condition. Minimal access (through a small incision) thyroid surgery can be offered to most patients undergoing thyroid surgery.  Minimally invasive parathyroid surgery (through a one inch incision) can be done on most every patient undergoing parathyroidectomy. Patients often go home the day of the procedure and resume their regular activities the next day.

Robotic surgery is also becoming very popular, which allows us to perform the surgeries needed for thyroid and parathyroid diseases without any incision on the neck. In most cases patients go home the next day and are off pain medications by the second or third day. Patients are able to shower and eat and drink whatever they like.

Want More Information?

To view a video of Dr. Shami answering these questions and more in full detail, visit www.entorlando.com.

Contact The Ear, Nose, Throat and Plastic Surgery Associates to schedule your appointment today.

The Ear, Nose, Throat and Plastic Surgery Associates

133 Benmore Drive, Suite 100,
Winter Park, FL 32792
407-644-4883