Throat polyps may not be life-threatening, but they can still cause uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, a throat and voice evaluation can help set you on the path to identifying what’s behind these growths so you can find relief.
The thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating metabolism, or how the body processes food into energy. When the thyroid is underactive or overactive, problems can develop that affect your overall health and wellness. Sometimes, an early sign of a problem is a goiter or an abnormally large thyroid gland. Your doctor may feel it during a routine check-up and order blood work to determine the cause.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a goiter, or if you think you have one, it’s important to figure out the cause. This is because your treatment plan is based on the reason you have a goiter in the first place. If you live in Manhattan, you can get world-class goiter care from Dr. Vandana Kumra of ENT New York. She’s an ear, nose, and throat specialist who diagnoses and treats thyroid issues in our Central Park West office.
Your goiter treatment plan really depends on the cause, how big it is, and your symptoms.
In the medical field, this is also called observation or surveillance. If the goiter is small and not bothering you, and if your thyroid is still working, it’s best to keep a watchful eye on it. Depending on your situation, you may be asked to come back in six or 12 months for a check-up.
If your thyroid is underactive, you may be put on levothyroxine to manage your symptoms.
If inflammation is causing the goiter, you may be prescribed a steroid.
If you have an overactive thyroid, other medication will be prescribed.
If a lack of iodine in your diet has led to the goiter, you may be put on supplements and asked to add some iodized salt to your food. The thyroid gland uses iodine to create thyroid hormones, so when you don’t have enough iodine, it could lead to a problem.
If you have an overactive thyroid, you may need to take radioactive iodine pills to kill the offending thyroid cells.
Sometimes, Dr. Kumra may need a sample of thyroid tissue to see if there are any cancer cells present. If cancer is causing your goiter and thyroid malfunction, she may remove part or all of your thyroid gland. If thyroid cells are killed, or if the thyroid is removed, you’ll have to take thyroid medication to replace it. The medication will help keep your body running smoothly for the rest of your life.
If you haven’t been feeling well and you can see or feel your thyroid gland in your throat, make an appointment to see Dr. Kumra. Request an appointment online or call 646-859-6136 today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Throat polyps may not be life-threatening, but they can still cause uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, a throat and voice evaluation can help set you on the path to identifying what’s behind these growths so you can find relief.
Do you have persistent head, face, nose, or sinus problems? A nasal endoscopy gives your doctor a closer look at these areas, thanks to a thin tube with a camera on the end. Keep reading to see what to expect and how to prepare.
Do you have swelling at the base of your neck or a scratchy voice? These are just two signs of a goiter. If you have this relatively common problem, here’s what could be triggering your symptoms and why you shouldn’t ignore it.
The thyroid gland is small, but it plays a mighty role in your overall health. Keep reading to see how this tiny organ in your neck regulates several bodily functions.
Do you live with persistent inflammation, drainage, or pain and tenderness in your sinus area? PROPEL® implants can help resolve chronic sinusitis symptoms by promoting healing where you need it most — your sinus tissues. Keep reading to learn more.
There’s more than one type of sleep apnea, which means it’s essential to know which type of this sleep disorder you have in order to find the most effective treatment. Keep reading to learn more.