Thyroid Disorders
NY Sinus and Thyroid Surgery Center
New York Sinus & Thyroid Surgery Center – Edward J. Shin M.D.
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310 E. 14TH STREET 6TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003

Thyroid Specialist NYC

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid specialist in NYC, Dr. Edward Shin, is an award-winning ENT in New York known for his surgical treatment of thyroid-related disorders. Thyroid diseases can be successfully treated by thyroid specialists. In some cases, patients may experience thyroid-related growths. While most thyroid tumors are considered harmless, it is important for patients to be evaluated by a professional thyroid doctor. Untreated thyroid conditions can cause a host of symptoms, ranging from fatigue and weight gain to nervousness and heart palpitations. Additionally, approximately 5% of all thyroid nodules are cancerous and must be treated. It is critically important to have an experienced thyroid specialist by your side to help treat thyroid disorders. At New York Sinus & Thyroid Surgery Center, Dr. Edward Shin offers thyroid surgery to help relieve the symptoms of thyroid conditions.

What Is The Thyroid?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located within the lower front of the neck. The thyroid plays a key role in controlling the body’s metabolic rate through the production of thyroid hormones. The thyroid produces 2 specific hormones: thyroxine (known as T4) and triiodothyronine (known as T3). These hormones are continually released into the bloodstream to help maintain bodily functions. Your thyroid hormones play an important role in digestion, brain function, muscle control, heart health, and more. The thyroid balances thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels to maintain homeostasis. In some cases, hormone levels can become unbalanced, leading to thyroid disorders.

What Are Some Common Thyroid Disorders?

When the thyroid does not make enough hormones, this is known as hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). If the thyroid gland produces too many hormones, then this causes hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid). These thyroid conditions can cause many unpleasant symptoms, including chronic weakness, tiredness, and more.

Thyroid nodules and multinodular goiters are other common thyroid disorders. A goiter refers to an enlarged thyroid that has grown in size due to inflammation. Goiters may have thyroid nodules attached. These small lumps are often harmless, but some may grow larger and affect surrounding structures. In rare cases, thyroid nodules are cancerous and need to be promptly treated. Thyroid cancer can spread to other parts of the body if not properly diagnosed and removed.

Thyroid Disorder Treatment

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid produces too many hormones. Known as an overactive thyroid, this condition affects the body’s metabolism. Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid) and Graves’ disease are common causes of hyperthyroidism. Patients may experience unintentional weight loss, irregular heartbeat, and intolerance to heat. Hyperthyroidism can be treated with antithyroid medication, radioactive iodine, or thyroid surgery.

HYPERTHYROIDISM
(OVERACTIVE THYROID)
TOO MANY THYROID HORMONES ARE PRODUCED
SYMPTOMS CAN INCLUDE NERVOUSNESS, HEART PALPITATIONS, HEAT INTOLERANCE, & WEIGHT LOSS
TREATMENTS INCLUDE MEDICATION, RADIOIODINE, SURGERY, & MONITORING

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid creates too few hormones, leading to an underactive thyroid. Thyroiditis and Hashimoto’s disease are typical causes of hypothyroidism. An underactive thyroid can lead to tiredness, weight gain, depression, and difficulty focusing. Thyroid medication is the most common treatment for hypothyroidism. Medicines can increase the amount of thyroid hormones being produced to restore proper levels.

HYPOTHYROIDISM
(UNDERACTIVE THYROID)
TOO FEW THYROID HORMONES ARE PRODUCED
SYMPTOMS CAN INCLUDE FATIGUE, WEIGHT GAIN, DIFFICULTY CONCENTRATING, & DEPRESSION
TREATMENTS INCLUDE MEDICATION & MONITORING

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are lumps that form inside the thyroid gland. While most nodules are smaller in size, larger growths may occur and put pressure on the windpipe or food pipe. As a result, patients with thyroid nodules may have difficulty swallowing or speaking. The majority of nodules are non-cancerous, but suspicious growths can be tested to determine if thyroid cancer is present. Common treatments for thyroid nodules include surgical removal and radioactive iodine. Learn more about thyroid nodules by clicking here.

THYROID NODULES
BUMPS OR LUMPS DEVELOP IN THE THYROID GLAND
NODULES MUST BE EVALUATED TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE CANCEROUS
TREATMENTS INCLUDE SURGERY, MEDICATION, & MONITORING

Multinodular Goiter

When the thyroid becomes inflamed, it may grow in size and develop thyroid nodules. This is known as a multinodular goiter. These growths can cause the thyroid to make too many hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism. Medication may be recommended to reduce the size of a multinodular goiter. Surgery may also be an option to remove the thyroid. Our thyroid specialist can discuss your surgical options in more detail with you. Learn more about multinodular goiters by clicking here.

MULTINODULAR GOITER
THYROID BECOMES ENLARGED WITH NODULES ATTACHED
SYMPTOMS CAN INCLUDE VISIBLE LUMPS, FULL FEELING IN THE NECK, & DIFFICULTY SPEAKING OR SWALLOWING
TREATMENTS INCLUDE MEDICATION, SURGERY, & MONITORING

Thyroid Cancer

Many thyroid cancers are slow-growing and can be overlooked without a proper diagnosis and evaluation by a trained thyroid specialist. Thyroid cancer occurs when the cells of the thyroid multiply at an abnormal rate, leading to the formation of growths or masses. There are various forms of thyroid cancer, including papillary, follicular, medullary, anaplastic, thyroid lymphoma, and Hurthle cell carcinoma. Thyroid cancer involves a comprehensive approach to treatment. Learn more about thyroid cancer by clicking here.

THYROID CANCER
THYROID CELLS DIVIDE & GROW AT AN UNCONTROLLABLE RATE
VAST MAJORITY OF THYROID CANCERS ARE TREATABLE
TREATMENT WILL DEPEND ON TYPE OF CANCER, PLUS THE SIZE & LOCATION OF THE TUMOR

Autoimmune Diseases

Thyroiditis can be caused by certain autoimmune diseases. Hashimoto’s disease is among the most common causes of hypothyroidism. During this disease, your immune system attacks the thyroid, which can result in your thyroid making too few hormones. Another immune disease that affects the thyroid is Graves’ disease. This disease causes the immune cells to attack the thyroid, leading to hyperthyroidism (too many thyroid hormones being produced). Medications, radioiodine, and thyroid surgery are common treatments for these diseases.

AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS
IMMUNE SYSTEM ATTACKS THE THYROID
HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE & GRAVES’ DISEASE ARE MOST COMMON
CAUSE HYPOTHYROIDISM & HYPERTHYROIDISM

What Are The Risk Factors For Thyroid Disorders?

There are many different factors that may make you more susceptible to developing thyroid disorders, including:

Risk Factors For Thyroid Disorders
Family history of thyroid disease
Family history of autoimmune disease
Being 60+ years of age
Consuming too much or too little iodine in your diet
Radiation exposure
Recent pregnancy
Prior thyroid surgery

What Are The Symptoms Of Thyroid Disorders?

The most noticeable sign of a thyroid disorder is the development of lumps around the neck area. However, many thyroid conditions do not display such prominent symptoms. Weight fluctuations, sensitivity to heat or cold, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, and joint pain are possible symptoms of thyroid disorders. Oftentimes, these symptoms are attributed to other conditions, so it is important to be seen by a professional thyroid specialist for a proper diagnosis.

THYROID DISORDER SYMPTOMS
LUMPS OR GROWTHS AROUND THE NECK
UNINTENDED WEIGHT GAIN OR WEIGHT LOSS
CHRONIC FATIGUE OR WEAKNESS
DEPRESSION & ANXIETY
INTOLERANCE TO HEAT OR COLD
JOINT & MUSCLE PAIN
DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING & SPEAKING
MEMORY LOSS & BRAIN FOG
POOR APPETITE
Treatment For Thyroid Disorders

How Are Thyroid Conditions Diagnosed?

A hormone test can measure the level of thyroid hormones present in your blood. Hormone tests are useful when diagnosing hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Iodine uptake tests can also be performed to determine the amount of radioactive iodine being absorbed by your thyroid gland. If a thyroid nodule or growth is detected, then a biopsy can be performed to test the mass for cancer. A small sample of the growth will be removed and sent to a pathologist to determine if the nodule is cancerous or benign.

What Thyroid Treatments Does Your Thyroid Specialist In NYC Offer?

As one of NYC’s leading thyroid specialists, Dr. Edward Shin offers thyroid surgery to treat underlying disorders. If it is determined that patients are better candidates for non-invasive treatments like medications, then Dr. Shin can refer these patients to a leading endocrinologist.

PROCEDURES WE OFFER
Thyroid Surgery
Our thyroid specialist can perform surgery to remove the thyroid gland and relieve symptoms. Patients are prescribed thyroid medication to help maintain proper hormone levels following thyroid surgery. Learn more about thyroid surgery and treatments by clicking here.
Thyroid Medicine
Medications can be prescribed to balance hormone levels for patients who are not ideal candidates for thyroid surgery. Medicines can either reduce the amount of thyroid hormones in your body (for an overactive thyroid) or increase the amount of hormones (for an underactive thyroid).
Radioactive Iodine
Radioiodine can also be given orally in a pill or liquid dosage. Radioactive iodine is absorbed by the body and is picked up by thyroid cells. The iodine destroys thyroid cells that are contributing to hormonal imbalances. Radioactive iodine is commonly used for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer.

How Do I Learn More About Thyroid Disorders & Treatments In NYC?

Our thyroid specialist in NYC would be happy to discuss thyroid disorders and thyroid treatments in more detail with you. To schedule a consultation, please call 646.943.7985 or request an appointment online at our NYC office.

WHAT PATIENTS SAY ABOUT DR. SHIN

Edward J. Shin, M.D.

NEW YORK SINUS & THYROID SURGERY CENTER

310 E. 14TH STREET
6TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003

646.943.7985

New York Eye & Ear Infirmary Of Mount Sinai

NEW YORK SINUS & THYROID SURGERY CENTER

310 E. 14TH STREET
6TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003

646.943.7985