Thyroid Disorders

The Atlantic Thyroid Center offers multiple locations and experts who are prepared to treat you for any type of thyroid disease. Whether it is thyroid nodules,  an overactive or underactive thyroid, or thyroid cancer, we will create a personalized plan that is best for you. 

If this is your first visit with us, or you are being referred to our center for follow-up care, we are ready to treat you. Our multi-disciplinary team will assure that you receive timely, thorough, and compassionate care.

Patients are guided throughout their visits in a multi-disciplinary process to assure that they receive the  most appropriate care. You will always be able to offer input about your care. Our team, no matter what location, is with you every step of the way. Thyroid disorder services may vary by location. Please confirm when booking an appointment.

Our Medical Team and Services Provided

We are focused on detailed, in-depth care of a patient with hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. Patients can see any of these  medical specialists, depending on diagnosis:

• Endocrinologists - Our endocrinologists across various locations evaluate patients by performing a physical examination and evaluation of thyroid hormones, including thyroid related imaging. They collaborate with pathologists, radiologists and surgeons in the preoperative and postoperative management of patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid related surgical procedures. They also collaborate with radiation oncologists and nuclear medicine radiologists for diagnostic scans and radioactive iodine treatments used in patients with hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism and thyroid cancer.  Several of our endocrinologists are ECNU certified and are experts at performing ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirations of thyroid nodules and lymph nodes.
• Surgical oncologists - Surgical oncologists in the area of thyroid cancer act to remove these diseases utilizing a small operation, where either a portion of, or the entire thyroid, is removed. Sometimes these operations require removal of lymph nodes that surround the thyroid in order to ensure that the cancer has been completely removed, which helps for next steps of therapy.  Operative intervention is usually limited to an outpatient visit or a single night stay in the hospital. Patients usually return to their usual day-to-day life within on average 48-72 hours.
• Head and neck radiologists- The Division of Nuclear Medicine at Atlantic Health System provides diagnosis and treatment of specific thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, and cancer, including papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. Diagnosis is typically via thyroid uptake analysis, thyroid imaging with I-123, and ablative therapies with I-131.
• Pathologists - Thyroid nodules are common and although the majority are benign, approximately 5 to 15% carry a risk of malignancy (ROM). In order to determine if a nodule is malignant a percutaneous fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is performed. The FNA cytology yields definite results (benign or malignant) in the majority of cases. There is a subset of patients, however, in which results are atypical. In the indeterminate cases, molecular studies are performed to determine the ROM and provide adequate clinical management.
• Ear, nose and throat specialists - Otolaryngologists, or ear, nose and throat specialists, evaluate the patient's thyroid and parathyroid condition.  They do this in conjunction with the endocrinology team to provide a collaborative approach to the patients' care. We review patients' labs and images and follow results closely with the medical team. Once the decision is made that surgery is needed, we take a minimally invasive approach to evaluate the patients' vocal cord function prior to surgery. If surgery is necessary, the otolaryngologist may remove part of the thyroid or all of the thyroid, if needed. In certain circumstances the surrounding lymph nodes may also be removed. We take a direct approach towards removal of the affected parathyroid with the aim of a limited surgical approach. Vocal cord evaluation may also be performed following surgery, if necessary, to ensure appropriate recovery of vocal fold function. 
• Nurse navigators - These on-site trained professionals facilitate appointment preparation, specialist coordination and any questions you may have. Atlantic Health thyroid disorder nurse navigators personalize your care, guiding you through tests, treatments and diet. They also liaise with your referring physicians and remain available for any concerns. The nurse navigator will continue to monitor your thyroid care follow-up, providing continuous support.

Learning More About Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck that releases hormones that control the body’s metabolism. The thyroid releases hormones regulate a range of bodily functions. Many thyroid disorders involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid specialists at the Atlantic Health Thyroid Center can help patients manage and treat thyroid disorders, including proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Thyroid Conditions We Treat

Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism

Patients with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are evaluated, followed by suitable diagnostic work up and treatment. The service includes management of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in pregnant women.

Parathyroid Disorders

Patients with hypercalcemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism, or parathyroid adenomas are evaluated by our medical team. We provide appropriate diagnostic work up and treatment that includes medical treatment or surgical consultation.

Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. It may be painful and tender when caused by an infection or trauma, or painless when caused by an autoimmune condition or medications.

Thyroid Nodules and Thyroid Cancer

Patients with thyroid nodules are examined by our medical team and, if needed, by our thyroid surgeons. We have vast experience on the operations of thyroid nodule and thyroid cancer and are available for the surgical consultation.