Thyroid Problems in Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, FL
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that stabilize your metabolism, which is the process in which food converts into energy. These hormones can have develop an unusual production that can result in thyroid problems. Thyroid problems are generally caused by hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Generally these problems can be regulated with prescription medication.
Hyperthyroidism
When the thyroid over produces hormones, you may experience weight loss, nervousness, fast heartbeat, weakness, and frequent bowel movements. This can be caused by not only overproduction of the hormones, but also growths on the thyroid, inflamed thyroid, and in very rare cases, pituitary gland cancer. If you have mild or moderate hyperthyroidism, you can regulate it with anti-thyroid medication. However in more severe cases, the doctor will administer a radioactive iodine that is swallowed to destroy the harmful part of the thyroid.
Hypothyroidism
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as low energy, dry skin, constipation, brittle nails, depression and weakness, you may have hypothyroidism. For women, symptoms also include a heavier or irregular menstrual cycle. This condition is caused by a low production of thyroid hormones, exposure to a large amount of iodide or lithium, or the complete removal of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is generally treated with thyroid hormone pills that still administer the hormones without the need of the thyroid
gland.
Thyroid Nodules and Goiter
Thyroid nodules are growths on the thyroid gland that are generally non-cancerous and not severe. Unfortunately, smaller thyroid nodules are difficult to detect, but larger ones may swell the neck and cause difficulties breathing or swallowing. Unlike thyroid nodules, a goiter is the inflammation and swelling of the thyroid gland.
These conditions are diagnosed by a combination of blood tests that examine how the thyroid gland functions. It can also be detected through a thyroid scan, or a fine needle biopsy. Prescription medications can be administered to general cases. If these conditions are cancerous or pre-cancerous, surgery is necessary to remove these cells before it becomes a more severe issue.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is generally caught by examination of thyroid nodules or goiters. Tests such as ultrasounds, fine need biopsy, nuclear medicine or CT scan can detect whether these conditions are cancerous. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include neck pain, hoarseness, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, and difficulty breathing and swallowing. Surgery is necessary to remove thyroid cancer and in addition, Dr. Lapco may suggest radioactive iodine treatment that destroys unwanted cells on the thyroid gland. If there is removal of the thyroid gland, you will be prescribed thyroid hormones to replace the hormones that regulate your metabolism for overall good health.
If you believe you may have general thyroid problems, or you have similar symptoms, please contact Dr. Lapco’s office to schedule an appointment. Dr. Lapco’s Pompano Beach office is located in Broward County just 10 miles from Coral Springs and 12 miles from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.