We treat all disorders of the thyroid.

Thyroid Cancer

This occurs when normal cells in the thyroid change into abnormal cells and grow out of control potentially spreading outside of the thyroid gland.  There are different types of thyroid cancer, some more serious than others.  Thyroid cancer usually doesn’t cause any signs or symptoms in the beginning. As thyroid cancer grows, it may cause a lump in the neck that can be felt through the skin, voice changes, difficulty swallowing or swollen neck lymph nodes.  Thyroid cancer may be present in one or more nodules in people with a single or multiple thyroid nodules.  Thyroid cancer is sometimes hereditary and may also be associated with exposure to radiation during childhood or teenage years.

Thyroid cancer is diagnosed by a fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) of one or more of the large or suspicious-looking thyroid nodules previously detected on a thyroid ultrasound or other imaging studies. If undiagnosed and untreated, thyroid cancer can lead to its spread beyond the thyroid gland as well as other significant health problems, and even death in extreme cases.

Initial treatment options of thyroid cancer usually include partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland, sometimes followed by a single dose of radioactive iodine treatment which consists of swallowing a capsule or liquid.  Most people after surgery for thyroid cancer are treated for hypothyroidism underactive thyroid.

After the initial treatment, it is imperative to monitor for recurrence of thyroid cancer. Routine monitoring includes special blood and imaging tests as well as proper adjustments of a thyroid hormone dosing regimen.

How Does TVC Help People with Thyroid Cancer?

TVC clinicians can help to diagnose thyroid cancer by ordering a thyroid ultrasound on patients who have symptoms suggestive of thyroid nodules, or those who have risk factors for thyroid cancer.  If patients have known thyroid nodules, TVC clinicians will monitor the nodules by ordering a thyroid ultrasound at recommended intervals, professionally interpreting the findings and referring patients with growing nodules for biopsy.  If a thyroid cancer is diagnosed, TVC clinicians will refer patients to the best surgeons specializing in thyroid surgeries.   However, surgery is not always required, and if you were recommended surgery by another physician, TVC clinicians will provide you with a second opinion on the necessity and extent of surgery.

After surgery is done, TVC clinicians will determine if treatment with radioactive iodine is necessary as, in our experience, this treatment can have significant side effects, but has been often overused in recent years. TVC clinicians can then determine the correct dose of your thyroid medicine (as dosing principles are different for people with and without thyroid cancer,) and carefully monitor you for cancer recurrence, which may occur anytime, up to many years later.  If thyroid cancer recurs, it can usually be successfully treated if caught on time.

Throughout the years of monitoring, TVC clinicians will order necessary blood tests or other diagnostic studies when needed, professionally interpret the findings, and provide recommendations, and refill your medications in advance. If you are taking a brand medication such as Synthroid, our clinicians will make sure that it is not substituted for a generic medication by your pharmacy.

TVC clinicians are always available to answer any questions you may have and will make any appropriate adjustments to your treatment plan, after communicating with you via secure messaging, video/audio conferencing, or live chat through our secure patient portal.