• Goiters – A thyroid goiter is a dramatic enlargement of the thyroid gland. Goiters are often removed because of cosmetic reasons or, more commonly, because they compress other vital structures of the neck including the trachea and the esophagus making breathing and swallowing difficult. Sometimes goiters will actually grow into the chest where they can cause trouble as well.
• Thyroid Cancer – Thyroid cancer is a fairly common malignancy, however, the vast majority have excellent long term survival.
• Solitary Thyroid Nodules – There are several characteristics of solitary nodules of the thyroid which make them suspicious for malignancy. Although as many as 50% of the population will have a nodule somewhere in their thyroid, the overwhelming majority of these are benign.
• Hyperthyroidism – Hyperthyroidism means too much thyroid hormone. Current methods used for treating a hyperthyroid patient are radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid drugs, or surgery. Each method has advantages and disadvantages and is selected for individual patients. Many times the situation will suggest that all three methods are appropriate, while other circumstances will dictate a single best therapeutic option. Surgery is the least common treatment selected for hyperthyroidism.
• Hypothyroidism – Hypothyroidism means too little thyroid hormone and is a common problem. In fact, hypothyroidism is often present for a number of years before it is recognized and treated.
• Thyroiditis – Thyroiditis is an inflammatory process ongoing within the thyroid gland. Thyroiditis can present with a number of symptoms such as fever and pain, but it can also present as subtle findings of hypo or hyper-thyroidism. There are a number of causes, some more common than others.
  

Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Common Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

The 3 Ts of Thyroid Health
3 Simple Steps to Help You Take Control of Your Thyroid Health

• Test Your Thyroid:
  • Know the symptoms and risk factors associated with thyroid disease
  • Perform the AACE Neck CheckTM (see next page)
  • Ask your doctor about a TSH blood test
• Take Your Medicine:
  • If you are on therapy for thyroid disease, take your medicine every day or as directed by your doctor
  • Stay on the same brand and dose of thyroid medicine your doctor prescribed
  • Know your medicine – brand and dosage – to assure your pharmacist fills your prescription accurately
• Track Your Condition:
  • Report any recurrence of symptoms – or the presence of new symptoms – to your doctor immediately
  • Understand the importance of maintaining your thyroid therapy and the potential risks of over- or under-treatment of your condition
  • See your doctor regularly and get a TSH test every 6 to 12 months, or as your doctor prescribes

Talk to your doctor about your thyroid health. We can provide additional information about symptoms, risk factors, and everything you need to know to help keep your thyroid in balance.

How to take the Thyroid “Neck Check”
Five easy steps that could save your life

All you will need is

• a glass of water
• a handheld mirror

1. Hold the mirror in your hand, focusing on the area of your neck just below the Adam’s apple and immediately above the collarbone. Your thyroid gland is located in this area of your neck.
2. While focusing on this area in the mirror, tip your head back.
3. Take a drink of water and swallow.
4. As you swallow, look at your neck. Check for any bulges or protrusions in this area when you swallow. Reminder: don’t confuse the Adam’s apple with the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located further down on your neck, closer to the collarbone. You may want to repeat this process several times.
5. If you do see any bulges or protrusions in this area, see your physician. You may have an enlarged thyroid gland or a thyroid nodule and should be checked to determine whether cancer is present or if treatment for thyroid disease is needed.